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Thelastdon23
I need factor back info for fantasy football
dprubinstein
Merril – Love your work. Wish Matchup was on more often. Best show in football.
I’m reaching out to you because I respect your opinion as a man who played the game, among other things.
I’ve got the first overall pick in an 8-team standard league. I can thus have anyone I want. I am having trouble pulling the trigger on the Cash Machine because of my concern about the Viks. I’m tempted to go Vick or Rodgers, which would be unconventional, or to roll the dice on Foster, Rice, or maybe even CJ.
Can you talk me down from the tree I’m up?
Thanks much, Ol’ Man. Looking forward to seeing you got at Jaws on Matchup.
Best regards.
- Dave
RandeeRN3386
Dear Mr. Hoge,
My name is Randee. I’m a 32 year-old mom and registered nurse. I was raised in Hopewell, PA by an amazing single father who I cannot say enough wonderful things about. One of my dad’s favorite pastimes, which became something we did together, was watching and supporting the Steelers. I quickly developed a hyper fascination with you, and I’ll tell you why. Not only because of the game, but the last name….. You see, our last name is Hoge. Pronounced differently, but spelled the same (I can gladly back this up with my birth certificate, high school/college certificates, etc).
When I was in junior high, we had an assembly at my school in which we had a Pittsburgh Steeler as a guest speaker. That Steeler was nose guard Gerald Williams. Later, our teacher asked us what we thought about meeting a professional football player. My response was that it was really cool (and it really was!), but that it would have been cooler if it had been Merril Hoge, and that I would have tackled people to get to the stage for two autographs for me and my dad if it were him. I then spouted off some stat about you, and went on about my business. My teacher got a kick out of that, and later shared that story with my dad.
As the years went on and I grew into adulthood, dad and I would discuss with regularity the team, the games, and the seasons. In June 2004, he began his own very difficult battle with cancer, which he ultimately lost 14 ½ months later. I moved him in with us, and cared for him until the end. What a tremendous man. I am so very blessed to have had him as my father. Dad and I didn’t have much, but we always had each other. And the Steelers! On that note, I’m very happy that you were able to “find a way” and defeat your cancer. Congratulations, that is truly fantastic!!!
I never had a Steelers jersey until long after you retired. I’ve looked high and low for one of yours in various places, and even had relatives and friends keep their eyes open for me as well. Since my dad died, it became a vendetta that I devoted time to between working full-time and taking care of my family. I decided it was time to go straight to the source. I’ve never written a fan letter before. I’ve thought about it numerous times when I’d see you on ESPN. And although Hines Ward has been my Steelers “love” for many years (which is ironic, because I knew nothing of your work together until I visited your site), I’ve not given up on finding that 33 jersey…. not only to honor my dad, but to recall the happiness you brought to us.
So, if I still have your attention after all of that – How can I possibly get a jersey? I saw nothing on your official website that indicates they can be purchased there. Please respond, I would appreciate it more than words can express.
M Mele
Merril, Great Kentucky buck! It was great talking to you back in Oct. at the Las Vegas Bass Pro Shops Rewards Weekend; especially about bowhuntng. Best wishes! Mike M.