Merril Hoge

Former Football Player & ESPN Football Analyst; Cancer Survivor; Author of "Find a Way" and "Brainwashed"
Expert on
-
Football, Inspirational, Health, Personal Growth, Athlete, Sports, Fitness, Television & Film, Broadcasting, Sports Journalism & Broadcasting, Cancer, Cancer Survivor, Motivational, News & Media, Healthcare, Family & Parenting, Leadership, Business Leadership
Fee Range
$20,000–$30,000Travels from
OH, USBiography
Merril Hoge is a former popular football analyst for ESPN. Hoge attended Idaho State University where he was a three-time all-conference selection as a running back. After college, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Hoge in the 10th round as the 261st overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft. He played with the Steelers until 1993, and in 1994 he signed with the Chicago Bears. During a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hoge suffered a concussion and the team doctor approved him to continue playing five days after without examining him to see if he had recovered. He was still suffering post-concussion symptoms. Weeks later, Hoge suffered another concussion and stopped breathing. He then spent two days in ICU and was forced to retire due to a brain injury. Hoge was hired as the on-air analyst for ESPN in 1996. Since the early 1990s, Hoge has served on the board of directors of the Highmark Caring Foundation.