Up Close with PSR
Merril Hoge

Before becoming an expert analyst for ESPN on shows such as NFL Live, NFL Match-up and Sunday NFL Countdown, Merril Hoge was a 10th round selection of the Steelers in the 1987 draft. Coming out of Idaho State, where his jersey number has since been retired, the 6'3" fullback played seven of his eight professional seasons with the Steelers. He is one of only two backs in franchise history to rush for back-to-back 100-yard games in the playoffs (Franco Harris is the other). After a one year stint with the Chicago Bears, a series of reoccurring concussions forced him to retire in 1994.

In February of 2003 Hoge was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-cancer. After completing a five month battle with chemotherapy, Hoge is now cancer free. He currently lives in Fort Thomas, KY with his wife and children. PSR's Joe Giardina awoke from a deep slumber to chat with Hoge earlier this month.

PSR: You were drafted in the 10th round, did you have a chip on your shoulder?

Hoge: No I didn't have a chip. I was projected to go in the third round… I was just glad I was drafted. And I was glad I was drafted by my childhood favorite team - I had two of them, Chicago and Pittsburgh. I was excited and all I really wanted was the opportunity. To when and where I got drafted, I didn't come in with an attitude that they made a mistake; because if you come in and you produce then obviously they did make a mistake. But I didn't have a chip on my shoulder, I was just excited to get drafted.

PSR: What was the highlight of your eight-year career?

MH: I had a lot of them, and I think the majority of them were the relationships with the people I met. But probably the one that stands out the most is meeting Walter Payton my rookie year. He was my childhood hero. I was able to meet him my second preseason game. Talking to him right after the game was one of the great experiences of my life. How he treated me, the kindness he showed me and the respect, it still sends chills through me when I think about it.

PSR: Do you think the NFL is doing enough to prevent the types of concussions that plagued you and eventually ended your career?

MH: I think they are on the right track, and they are going to continue to do more. But the first thing that they are doing a better job of is diagnosing and treating them correctly, which did not happen in my case, and it didn't happen in many cases before it. So the respect and the treatment of it has significantly improved. And as we find more and more things, the proper care and treatment will be administered for players. But I do think they are on the right track and are making serious strides, especially in the past few years.

PSR: How much game tape do you watch now compared to your playing days?

MH: I have to cover the whole league now, when I played I only had to cover one side of the ball. I'm sitting here Thursday morning watching Minnesota's defense against the 49ers offense, I've been watching it since Tuesday morning so I'll watch some more Friday and Saturday. I will get anywhere from 40 to 55 hours throughout the week because I have to watch every team. Some I might study a little harder than others, but I need to stay on top of them all so I watch them all.

PSR: With all the tape you have watched, how do you compare the modern day Patriots to the Steelers dynasty of the 70s?

MH: Well it depends on which side you are on. There are more ways to build a team now then there was back with the Steelers [of the 70s]. The Steelers only had one way, that's the draft. Now you have draft and free agency and the Patriots have used both. So you could argue that it's easier now than it was back then.

PSR: What are your thoughts on the Mike Tomlin?

MH: I think he has done a terrific job. And like any rookie head coach, you look back your first year and you made some mistakes and you learn from them. But I think initially being a young head coach he has done a terrific job. I think he has laid a great foundation and I think that is the biggest most important part. They know who is in charge and what he says means something. I think he understands the fine line between a player and a coach and he handles it well. I like his demeanor as well and he knows the pulse of his team, which are all important things. He is able to set the direction after a win and a loss which is also important for a head coach.