Merril Hoge is a former professional football player who made a significant impact during his eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 26, 1965, Hoge played as a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears. He began his football career at Idaho State University, where he played for the Idaho State Bengals. His performance in college earned him a selection in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite being a late-round pick, Hoge quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile player, known for his toughness and work ethic on the field.

During his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hoge became a key contributor to the team's offense. He was known for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat running back. His versatility allowed him to excel in both rushing and receiving, and he became a fan favorite for his gritty playing style. Hoge's best seasons came in the early 1990s when he was a consistent performer for the Steelers, helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times. After spending seven seasons with Pittsburgh, Hoge played his final NFL season with the Chicago Bears in 1994 before retiring from professional football.

Following his retirement from the NFL, Merril Hoge transitioned into a successful career as a football analyst. In 1996, he joined ESPN, where he became a prominent figure on the network's NFL coverage. Hoge was particularly well-known for his work on the show "NFL Matchup," where he provided in-depth analysis of game film and strategies. His expertise and passion for the game made him a respected voice in the football community. Hoge's tenure at ESPN lasted over two decades, but in April 2017, he was laid off as part of widespread cuts at the network, along with fellow analyst Ron Jaworski.

In addition to his football career, Merril Hoge has been an advocate for concussion awareness and player safety. After suffering multiple concussions during his playing days, Hoge has spoken openly about the long-term effects of head injuries in football. He has worked to raise awareness about the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of concussions, and he has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving player safety at all levels of the sport. Hoge's dedication to this cause has made him a respected figure in the ongoing conversation about player health in football.

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