Spotlight on Our Own: Merril Hoge

This week, we continue with our spotlight on Brain Injury Awareness Month. We’ve told our origin story and talked about women’s brains, now, we direct our focus to one of our founding Board Members, former Steeler, and player under Chuck Noll, Merril Hoge.

 Merril played 8 total years in the NFL – including 7 for the Steelers. Improper treatment of a concussion is ultimately what cut short his promising career. He has stayed active with the game of football by serving as an on-air analyst and as a youth football coach. Merril stays active in general, spending his time golfing, hunting, and staying in shape. These days, physical fitness is not Merril’s only focus, however, he encourages people to focus on their mental health as well, and to always, “find a way, every day.”

 Merril is doing his part for the sport he loves in honor of his Hall-of-Fame coach by serving on the Board of Directors for the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research. While he was the first player to ever be retired due to concussions, he has shown incredible leadership and dedication to the mission of the Foundation, and hopes to continue to support player safety and brain injury awareness.

 We thank Merril for all that he has done for this Foundation, and for the work he continues to do in Coach Noll’s honor. During Brain Injury Awareness Month, we encourage all our constituents to “find a way” to support brain injury diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

 Thank you, Merril!