MUSCATINE, Iowa–Jan. 18, the Youth Sports Foundation welcomed former NFL player Merril Hoge to their board of directors. Hoge brings a wealth of experience to the position, not only as a football player but as a motivational speaker, supporter of youth sports, and advocate for brain injury prevention and research.
Hoge started his football career at the University of Idaho, where he broke 11 school records. After graduating, he played for the Pittsburg Steelers for eight years. There he distinguished himself, setting the team record for most receptions by a running back and rushing for over 100 yards in two consecutive playoff games, something only one other Steeler ever did. Hoge played for the Chicago Bears as well, but retired after receiving several concussions. Following his years in football, Hoge served as an analyst for ESPN for 20 years, appearing on numerous shows and providing both Super Bowl and NFL Draft coverage regularly.
Throughout his life Hoge has advocated for a number of different causes, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Hoge survived Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after receiving a diagnosis in 2003), the American Heart Association (he underwent surgery for an enlarged aorta in 2015), and the Highmark Caring Foundation, which supports grieving children and teens (at 21, Hoge lost his mother).
Hoge has especially advocated for football at all levels to use the best available research to take steps to prevent and treat brain injuries such as concussions. In 2010, the NFL appointed Hoge to the NFL MTBI Committee to help advise the league on how to prevent and respond to concussions. That same year, USA Football, which oversees youth and amateur football, appointed him to their board of directors. In 2011, NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell even invited him to work on the Return-to-Play Subcommittee that specializes in head, neck, and spinal injuries.
More generally, Hoge has supported youth sports, particularly football, by working with NFL Hall of Fame players John Madden and Ronnie Lott to start the NFL’s Way to Play program, which highlights teams demonstrating good sportsmanship. He also lent his time and effort to the Chuck Noll Hall of Fame Game for Life Award, which supports outstanding youth football programs in every state.
Along with his community advocacy and philanthropy, Hoge also gives motivational speeches, often to corporate audiences. He has also published two books, “Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life” and “Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football.”
As Hoge begins his time with the Youth Sports Foundation, Co-Founder Jim Miller looks forward to the many skills and experiences he will bring to the board. “Merril brings knowledge and commitment to the sport of football and the youth who participate,” said Miller. “I feel that having Merril join our already fantastic board of directors will make our organization one of the most respected in the Midwest.”
Board President John Thorpe shared Miller’s excitement in welcoming Hoge. “Merril not only brings incredible football and youth athletic knowledge from his career, but also is the embodiment of what the Youth Sports Foundation promotes and fosters in our participants – Character, Commitment, Determination, and an unrelenting pursuit of individual and community growth and collaboration,” he stated.
