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United States Merril Hoge has transitioned from a professional NFL player to a respected author, motivational speaker, and advocate for brain health, sharing his experiences and insights.
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SportGait, a medical technology company that has developed concussion support and recovery tools, has signed on Hoge — a former NFL running back...
Merril DuAine Hoge was born on January 26, 1965, in Pocatello, Idaho. He attended Highland High School in Pocatello and went on to play college football for the Idaho State Bengals in the Big Sky Conference. During his collegiate career, Hoge was a three-time all-conference selection from 1984 to 1986. In 1985, he distinguished himself by setting an NCAA record with 2,113 all-purpose yards, averaging 192.1 yards per game, which included 1,041 rushing yards—a school record. Hoge concluded his college career with an NCAA record of 5,453 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns.
Following his successful college career, Hoge was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL draft as the 261st overall pick. He played seven seasons with the Steelers before signing with the Chicago Bears in 1994. His professional football career spanned eight seasons, during which he gained 3,139 rushing yards and 2,133 receiving yards, scoring a total of 34 touchdowns. Notably, as a fullback for the Steelers, he scored 10 touchdowns in 1990. Hoge’s career was cut short in 1994 due to multiple concussions, leading to his retirement from playing. He subsequently pursued a career in broadcasting, joining ESPN as an on-air analyst in 1996, a role he held until May 2017.
Beyond his sports career, Merril Hoge is a best-selling author and an international speaker. He has openly shared his personal battles with career-ending head trauma, depression, cancer, and open-heart surgery, using these experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Hoge is also a dedicated advocate for various causes, including brain wellness and setting safer playing standards for athletes. He has served on the board of directors for the Highmark Caring Foundation and organized the Hoge-Bruener-Ward Celebrity Golf Classic for over a decade, demonstrating his commitment to community and philanthropy. In December 2017, he was hired as a football coach by “Your Call Football,” a fan play-calling competition, further cementing his continued involvement in the sport.
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