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Counsel Culture with Eric Brooker


Sep 15, 2022

My guest today is none other than NFL and ESPN great, Merril Hoge.

Ever since Merril Hoge was eight-years-old, he dreamed of being a professional football player. Growing up in a small town in Idaho, the goal seemed unrealistic. But Merril didn’t just dream about this goal. From that young age, he used the words “Find A Way” to take action to overcome any obstacle and to attain any goal. Today, as he continues to strive towards his own goals, he also uses his Find A Way philosophy as a parenting tool, and challenges his children, Kori and Beau, to Find A Way to achieve their goals, overcome obstacles and take ownership of their lives.

As a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in education and a minor in health and fitness, Merril was a four-year football starter who set 44 school and conference records and two NCAA football records. 

Merril made his childhood dream a reality when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played until 1993 and led the team in rushing and receiving in four of his first five years, setting a record in his third year for receptions by a running back. He was the Steelers Iron Man of the Year two years in a row (1989 and 1990) and was named to the All-Madden team in 1989. In 1993, Merril went to the Chicago Bears as a free agent, where he played for one year until he was forced to retire early due to post-concussion syndrome. At the time of his retirement, Merril had the longest consecutive playing streak in the NFL.

Merril joined ESPN in 1995 as a football analyst and sideline reporter, where he quickly distinguished himself through his in-depth knowledge of the game and his strong relationships with the coaches and players in the National Football League. 

In 2003, the habits and mindset that Merril formulated throughout his childhood and carried into adulthood, helped him Find A Way to overcome the ultimate challenge – cancer. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on  Merril took on chemotherapy and beat cancer with the same tenacity that got him to the NFL Through the difficult moments, Merril found inspiration through his daughter Kori, then nine, who upon hearing the news, whispered, “Dad, find a way.” On July 2, 2003, Merril was cancer-free.For all of his life accomplishments as an athlete and businessman, Merril’s biggest impact can be felt within his family and community. 

Merril loved playing in the NFL and loved working at ESPN but what he cherishes most is being a dad. He has used Find a Way philosophy to become a better parent and to challenge his kids to take ownership for their lives.

This show is dedicated to Merril's journey, this conversation is what we make it. This is Counsel Culture.

Find more at www.ericbrooker.com | www.merrilhoge.com