LinkedIn Voices: Merril Hoge
- Moussa Zein Aldine
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Merril Hoge stands as a symbol of relentless resilience and determination, a man who turned adversity into advocacy. From his years as an NFL running back to his fight against life-threatening illness, Merril embodies the power of perseverance. Today, he inspires global audiences to overcome life’s toughest challenges through his powerful mantra: Find. A. Way.
Who Is Merril Hoge?
Merril DuAine Hoge is an American former professional football player, best-selling author, on-air commentator, and internationally recognized motivational speaker.
After playing eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL); primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-1993) and later the Chicago Bears (1994); Merril’s career was cut short by a devastating brain injury caused by repeated concussions.
But that moment didn’t define his end. It marked his new beginning.
Following his retirement, he built a new life mission around leadership, mindset, and recovery, teaching others how to overcome the odds, one step at a time.
He went on to author two acclaimed books:
Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life
Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football
Through both, Merril continues to champion hope, critical thinking, and resilience, especially for athletes, leaders, and anyone navigating mental health challenges.
From the Field to Finding a Way
Before he became a speaker and advocate, Merril was defined by the grit he showed on the football field.
Drafted in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Steelers, he wasn’t the most celebrated player, but he was one of the hardest working. His leadership and determination earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike.
Then, life changed.
A severe concussion forced him into medical retirement. The injury was so severe that he lost his memory, had to relearn how to read, and faced the daunting possibility of never returning to normal life.
Yet, as Merril says, “When life knocks you down, you have two choices, stay down, or Find A Way.”
He chose the latter.
That same mentality carried him through a battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, open-heart surgery, and the lasting effects of traumatic brain injury. Each challenge became a new platform for his message of courage, hope, and unwavering perseverance.
Mission: Hope, Health, and Leadership
Today, Merril Hoge is one of the most respected motivational and leadership speakers in the United States. His talks blend personal storytelling with actionable lessons on mindset, faith, and leadership under pressure.
Through keynote events, corporate seminars, and national advocacy work, he helps audiences identify their “why,” push through adversity, and cultivate resilience in their daily lives.
He also serves on several boards, including the Highmark Caring Foundation and the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research, promoting mental health, concussion safety, and cancer awareness.
His philosophy, Find a Way, has become not just a motto but a movement; inspiring thousands to overcome personal struggles, redefine success, and live with purpose.
Themes & Message Pillars
Find A Way Philosophy Merril’s message is rooted in three words that changed his life: Find. A. Way.It’s a call to action, to seek solutions, not excuses. To take ownership of life’s obstacles and turn pain into progress.
Resilience Through Adversity From battling cancer to recovering from brain trauma, Merril shows that strength is not about what you endure, it’s about how you respond. His story proves that resilience is a muscle, built through daily acts of courage.
Leadership Beyond the Field As a former athlete and commentator, Merril translates sports values; teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness; into lessons for leaders and organizations. His message resonates from locker rooms to boardrooms.
Health & Mental Wellness Advocacy Through his work with concussion research foundations and health organizations, Merril champions brain safety, responsible sports science, and proactive mental health care for athletes and professionals alike.
LinkedIn Content Strategy: Inspiring Through Authenticity
On LinkedIn, Merril Hoge’s presence is a masterclass in emotional authenticity and purpose-driven storytelling. His content captures the essence of gratitude, faith, and perseverance; values that connect deeply with both sports fans and professionals.
Strategy Highlights
Human-Centered Storytelling: Each post draws from personal experience; whether it’s a reflection on family, a memory from the Steelers, or a moment of gratitude for survival.
Motivational Frameworks: He frequently blends short, powerful life lessons with actionable encouragement (“You have three choices in life: watch things happen, make things happen, or wonder what happened”).
Visual Nostalgia: His use of throwbacks from Idaho summers to NFL moments, creates emotional resonance and relatability.
Community Focus: By engaging with cancer survivors, athletes, and fans, Merril turns his platform into a space for shared hope and resilience.
Tone & Style
Genuine, heartfelt, and grounded.
Balances vulnerability with strength.
Designed to uplift, not impress.
Why Merril Hoge Matters
Merril Hoge represents the intersection of sportsmanship, leadership, and humanity. His life reminds us that success isn’t defined by trophies or titles; it’s defined by how we rise after falling.
In an era where burnout, stress, and uncertainty are part of daily life, his story serves as a guiding light: proof that with courage, gratitude, and relentless will, anyone can “Find a Way.”
As Merril often says,
“You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond; and that’s where your power lies.”
Profile Summary
Info | Detail |
Name | Merril Hoge |
Title | Motivational & Leadership Speaker |
Focus | Resilience, Leadership, Overcoming Adversity, Mental Health Awareness |
Experience | 8 Seasons in NFL (Steelers, Bears); ESPN Analyst; 20+ Years Public Speaking |
Books | Find a Way • Brainwashed |
Causes | Brain Injury Awareness, Cancer Advocacy, Mental Health |
Platform Reach | 250K+ combined across LinkedIn, Instagram, and speaking platforms |
Notable Achievements | NFL career, Cancer survivor, Brain injury recovery, National keynote speaker |
Website |
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