Merril Hoge

Inspirational Speaker | #FindAWay | Former @NFL Athlete & @ESPN Analyst | Author | Cancer Survivor | Most important title: Dad

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

17 years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. On that day, chemo and dying consumed me, but I quickly found hope in those who had survived, and I continue to fight for those who did not!

Feb 14th has helped me embrace life every day, not just the good days. #FindAWay every day!

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

You’ve already survived every hard day you’ve faced. Don’t forget that.

No matter how tough it’s been. No matter how many times life has knocked you down—you’re still here.

That means you’re stronger than you think.

Take a moment today to look back at what you’ve overcome. The setbacks. The disappointments. The moments you weren't sure how you were going to keep going.

You did.

You’re undefeated against everything that tried to stop you.

So don't just remember your past—use it. Let those experiences build your confidence, strengthen your mindset, and remind you what you're capable of.

Ask yourself this Monday: What did I learn from what I've been through, and how can I use it to become better today?

Keep growing. Keep pushing. Keep finding a way.

Your past built the strength. What you do with it today is up to you.

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Another lake photo... because I'm not quite ready for summer to end.

This has always been my place to reset. Away from the noise, away from the schedule, just surrounded by the people I love and the peace that comes with slowing down.

Life moves fast. Don't forget to pause long enough to enjoy it.

Have a great day, everyone.

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Looking back at my playing days, I realize the greatest lessons had very little to do with football.

I was drafted in 1987 and spent seven of my eight NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. I was fortunate to lead the team in rushing and receiving and earn Iron Man of the Year, but those accomplishments came from showing up every day, embracing the hard work, and refusing to accept that something couldn't be done.

Football taught me that talent can only take you so far. Your mindset determines how far you're willing to go.

There were plenty of days I was tired, hurt, frustrated, or unsure of what was next. I learned to focus on what I could control, find a solution, and keep moving forward.
I didn't have the words for it then, but that's where Find A Way was born.

Life will challenge every one of us. The question isn't whether adversity will come. It's what you'll do when it does.

Find A Way. Every Day. 💪

#findaway #pittsburghsteelers #lifelessons

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

The message is mine, but what you do with it is yours.

Grateful for my time with the incredible people at WPA and the opportunity to share Find A Way.

Every audience reminds me why I do what I do. My story is simply the starting point—the real impact happens when you take the message, make it your own, and apply it to whatever challenge is in front of you.

I don't want you leaving my talk thinking about me. I want you thinking about what's possible for you.

Thank you for listening, sharing your stories, and reminding me that we all have more in us than we sometimes realize.

Find A Way. Every Day. 💪

#findaway #doitforyou #mindovermatter

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

I remember sitting there as the doctors explained how aggressive my cancer treatment would be.

They told me the chemotherapy was so powerful that if it came into contact with the nurse's skin—or mine—it could cause third-degree burns.

I couldn't help but think, If that's what it can do on the outside, what's it going to do inside my body?

In that moment, I truly understood what I was up against.

The doctors told me to keep my routine as normal as possible. But after hearing what that treatment was capable of, I knew there was nothing "normal" about what lay ahead.

That's when I made a decision.

I wasn't going to spend my time worrying about what I couldn't control. I was going to focus on what I could control...my attitude, my effort, my faith, and my willingness to fight every single day.

Life will put obstacles in front of all of us. Some are bigger than we ever imagined. But no matter what you're facing, you always have a choice. You can let fear define your future, or you can let purpose drive your next step.

You don't have to win the whole battle today. You just have to keep fighting today.

Find A Way. Every Day.

#findaway #cancersurvivor #keepfighting

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

If you're new here, you're probably wondering... why do I always say, "Find A Way?"

The answer is simple.

It's more than a phrase. It's become the way I live my life.

Football taught me resilience. Cancer tested it. A traumatic brain injury demanded it. Every challenge I've faced has reinforced one simple truth: there is always a way forward if you're willing to keep fighting.

Find A Way isn't about pretending life is easy. It's about refusing to let adversity have the final say. It's choosing hope over fear, discipline over excuses, and purpose over comfort.

That's the message I share every time I step on a stage, because I know every person is fighting a battle others can't see.

My hope is that when you leave one of my talks—or one of these posts—you aren't thinking about my story. You're thinking about your story, your next step, and what's possible for your life.

Whatever you're facing today, don't give up.

Keep believing. Keep growing. Keep fighting.

Find A Way. Every Day.

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Football is BACK in Pittsburgh! 🏈

What a way to kick off the preseason at Acrisure Stadium.

There’s nothing quite like the energy of being back around the game, the fans, and the Steelers family.

I was fortunate to start the night with some of the best and share the game with you all on KDKA. Did you tune in?

The excitement is building, and I’m looking forward to an incredible season ahead.

Here We Go!

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Throwback to a little flag football action. 🏈

I'll be honest... I missed the game.

There’s just something about being back on the field, competing, laughing, and feeling like a kid again. For a few moments I definitely convinced myself I still had it... my body reminded me otherwise the next morning. 😂

Fun memories, great people, and a reminder that you're never too old to enjoy the things you love.

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

I'm excited about where the Steelers are headed.

One of the things I've believed for a long time is that our defense has lost some of the fear factor it once had, and our running game hasn't been the foundation of who we are.

If you're going to build championship football, those two areas have to be your identity.

That's why I'm encouraged by the addition of Coach McCarthy. Experience matters. Leadership matters. When you're trying to get an organization back to playing its brand of football, you need someone who's been there and done it.

One thing I've learned over the years is this: the Rooney family doesn't make coaching decisions lightly. They don't change coaches often, but when they do, they do it with purpose.

Looking back, they've built a remarkable track record of finding the right leaders at the right time. That's one of the reasons this organization has been respected for generations.

I'm looking forward to seeing this team get back to playing physical, disciplined, Steelers football.

Training camp is where it all begins. Here we go! 🏈

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Throwing it back to my Sunday NFL Countdown days.

What a privilege it was to spend so many years talking about the game I love alongside some of the best in the business.

Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined—as a player, an analyst, and now as a speaker.

Every chapter has brought incredible memories and lifelong friendships.

The countdown is officially on...football is almost back, and I can't wait for another season of Sundays. 🏈

#NFLCountdown #FindAWayEveryDay #FootballIsBack

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Have you read Find A Way?

It's much more than a book about football.

It's a collection of the biggest challenges I've faced throughout my life—my NFL career, cancer, a traumatic brain injury, learning to read again, and the lessons adversity has taught me along the way.

I didn't write it because I had all the answers. I wrote it because I believe every setback has something to teach us if we're willing to learn from it.

Find A Way is about facing life's hardest moments head-on, choosing courage over fear, and discovering that even when the path isn't easy, there is always a way forward.

My hope is that somewhere in these pages, you'll find a lesson, a perspective, or the encouragement you need to keep going.

If you've read it, I'd love to hear what lesson or story resonated with you the most. If you haven't, I hope you'll pick up a copy and join the conversation.

Find A Way. Every Day.

https://t.co/JJC4B10kDK

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

There's nothing quite like being back at Steelers training camp. 🏈

Football is in the air, the excitement is building, and it's always great catching up with good friends like Ike and Louis.

Training camp brings back so many memories of what it takes to prepare for a season—hard work, accountability, and earning everything.

Looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Here We Go!

#findaway #pittsburghsteelers #trainingcamp

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Throwing it back to 2017 and my induction into the Idaho State University Hall of Fame.

Looking back at this photo, I'm reminded that honors like these are never earned alone. They're the result of great teammates, incredible coaches, mentors who challenged you, and family who believed in you every step of the way.

Idaho State played a huge role in shaping not only the football player I became, but the man I would become.

The lessons I learned there...hard work, accountability, perseverance, and finding a way when things got difficult, have stayed with me long after the final whistle.

It's always humbling to look back, but it's also a reminder that our greatest legacy isn't found in the awards we receive. It's found in the lives we impact and the people who helped us get there.

I'll always be grateful for where the journey began.

#findaway #ISU #halloffame

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Football gave me a platform. My purpose gave me a mission.

I'm incredibly grateful that I still get to be around the game, work with the Steelers, and stay connected to football.

But what fulfills me most today isn't what I accomplished on the field...it's what I have the opportunity to do off of it.

Every time I step on a stage, I get to share my story. The victories, the setbacks, the adversity, the lessons, and ultimately the Find A Way mindset that changed my life.

My hope has never been for people to leave talking about me.

My hope is that they leave believing more in themselves.

That they walk away ready to face adversity differently, challenge themselves, and become the very best version of who they were created to be.

If my journey can help one person find hope, one leader inspire a team, or one individual refuse to give up, then every challenge I've faced has been worth it.

Keep finding a way.

And if you're looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience with a message of resilience, leadership, and purpose, I'd love to be part of your next event. Send me a message!

#findawayeveryday #speakingengagement #learnfromeachother

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

One of the greatest lessons I ever learned had nothing to do with running the football.

One day in practice, a coach looked at me standing on the other side of the field and asked, "What are you doing over there?"

My answer?

"Nothing."

He looked at me and said, "Then go help your teammate."

He challenged me to become uncommon.

He reminded me that you never know what's going to happen on the field. A teammate may go down. Someone may need help. If you only know one job, you're limiting your value.

From that day on, I expanded my role. I attacked my weaknesses, learned every position I could, and became the player the team could count on in any situation.

That's what made me a starter.

I've carried that lesson with me ever since.

Don't just do what's required. Look for ways to add value. Learn a new skill. Help someone else. Prepare for opportunities before they arrive.

The people who become uncommon aren't waiting to be needed—they're already getting ready.

Find A Way.

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Want to find happiness? Stop comparing yourself to everyone else.

No one has your journey. No one has your challenges. No one has your purpose.

Instead of comparing, start connecting. Learn from others. Be inspired by their stories, but don't measure your life against theirs.

Build a life that brings you peace. Take care of your body. Take care of your mind. Live with discipline, not because it's punishment, but because it's a form of self-respect. It's a commitment to becoming the person you're capable of being.

Chase purpose, not pleasure. Purpose gives life meaning. Pleasure is temporary.

And finally, learn to forgive. The moment you let go of what weighs you down is the moment you're free to move forward.

Your greatest competition has never been someone else. It's becoming a better version of yourself every single day.

Find A Way.

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Happy Friday!

The weekend is a great time to recharge, but don't confuse rest with standing still.

Take time for the people you love. Do something that brings you peace. Laugh a little more.

Then come back Monday ready to keep chasing your goals.

The best version of you is built one day at a time.

Enjoy the weekend...and keep finding a way.

#findawayeveryday #fridayfeeling #peace

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

As the guys report to training camp, I can't help but think back to all the memories.

Training camp wasn't just about getting ready for a season. It was about building trust, learning discipline, creating lifelong friendships, and discovering what you were made of.

Every practice, every meeting, every challenge was preparing you for something bigger than yourself.

Looking back now, what I appreciate most isn't just the football. It's the people. The teammates, coaches, trainers, and staff who became part of my life. Every year when I see training camp begin, I smile because I know so many of those relationships are still going strong.

Football gave me so much more than a career. It gave me lessons that still shape my life today and friendships that have stood the test of time.

To all the players heading to camp: embrace every moment. It may not feel like it now, but one day you'll realize the greatest memories weren't just the games...they were the journey and the people you shared it with.

Enjoy the process. The season starts now. Find A Way. 🏈

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

This picture brings back a lot of memories, but the words that stand out to me are "Heads Up Football."

Every time I see them, I think of Chuck Noll.

While serving on the board of USA Football, we were asked to help create a program that would make youth football better and safer. My mind immediately went back to my rookie year with Chuck.

Every day he taught the same fundamentals, and he always reminded us, "If you execute these techniques, you'll be a better, safer player."

That philosophy became the foundation of Heads Up Football and has helped educate thousands of coaches and millions of young athletes.

Chuck's legacy wasn't just winning Super Bowls. It was teaching the game the right way and leaving it better than he found it.

That's what great leaders do...they create a legacy that continues to impact others long after they're gone.

#findawayeveryday #legacy #chucknoll #memorylane

[Merril Hoge @merrilhoge]

Letting go isn't a one-time decision. It's a daily choice.

Whether it's regret, fear, anger, disappointment, or something from your past, healing rarely happens all at once.

Some days you'll feel like you've moved on. Other days you'll have to make the same choice all over again.

That's not weakness.

That's growth.

Don't get discouraged by the process. The strongest people aren't the ones who never struggle—they're the ones who keep choosing to move forward, one day at a time.

You can't change yesterday, but you can decide what controls you today.

Keep letting go. Keep moving forward. Keep finding a wa