Merril Hoge is a former professional football player.  After graduating from high school in 1983, he stayed in town to play college football for the Idaho State University in the Big Sky Conference. Hoge was a three-time all-conference selection at running back.

In 1985, Hoge set an NCAA record with 2,113 all-purpose yards, an average of 192.1 per game, including a school record 1,041 rushing yards. He finished his college career with an NCAA record 5,453 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns.The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Hoge in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft with the 261st pick overall. After seven seasons with the Steelers, Hoge signed with the Chicago Bears in 1994, but played in only five games with six carries and 13 receptions. He scored ten touchdowns in 1990 for the Steelers. Hoge played eight seasons at running back for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears, retiring after the 1994 season.

Hoge was forced into retirment due to severe brain injury. Since 1996 he had been a football analyst for ESPN television.He was diangosed with cancer, but was able to beat it and made a comeback to broadcasting in 2015.  As of 2021, Hoge serves as the head coach for Your Call Football.