Merril Hoge was born on the 26th January 1965, in Pocatello, Idaho USA, he is now well known as an American Football analyst for ESPN television, and a former professional football player himself, who played running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987–1993) and Chicago Bears (1994). Hoge’s playing career started in 1987 and ended in 1994.
Have you ever wondered how rich Merril Hoge is, as of early 2017? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Hoge’s net worth is as high as $6 million, an amount earned largely through his successful twin careers as a broadcast analyst, and in addition from his pro playing career, which was the real basis in improving his wealth.
Merril Hoge Net Worth $6 Million
Merril Hoge grew up in Idaho and went to the Highland High School, from where he matriculated in 1983, and then studied at Idaho State University. While at college, Hoge played football and was selected for the all-selection team on three occasions, before the Pittsburgh Steelers took him as the 261st pick overall in the 1987 NFL Draft.
Hoge stayed with the Steelers for seven seasons until 1994, his outstanding season being 1990 when he scored 10 touchdowns. In 1994, Merril signed a contract with the Chicago Bears, but played in only five games, recording six carries and 13 receptions. He was forced to retire from football in 1994 after two severe concussions which weren’t treated well enough, the first concussion on the road game in Kansas City, but only five days later, the team doctor told him to continue playing without examining him to conclude if he had recovered properly. Merril was affected by post-concussion symptoms, and several weeks later he suffered another concussion, only this time he stopped breathing and spent 48 hours in intensive care. Hoge turned to his former doctor from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon, who told him that any further concussion would risk permanent brain damage, and that’s when Merril decided to retire. He later sued the Bears club doctor and won a $1.55 million settlement. In his seven-year career, Hoge recorded 3,139 rushing yards along with 2,133 receiving yards and scored 34 touchdowns.
Since 1996, Merril Hoge has worked as an on-air analyst for ESPN, and his annual salary is $2.5 million which certainly sustains his net worth.
Regarding his personal life, Merril Hoge was married to Toni, but they are divorced now; he has two children with her. He currently lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. In 2002, Hoge injured his shoulder in an automobile accident and had an operation to repair the ligaments. However, during an examination six months later, Merril complained about recurring back pain, and in February 2004, Hoge was diagnosed with Stage II Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He successfully beat the disease after the oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Stanley Marks, gave him a 75-80% chance to survive.
