Merril Hoge is a former NFL player, current ESPN analyst and motivational speaker. His “Find A Way” philosophy has allowed him to triumph over obstacles that threatened to derail his dreams, his career and end his life. At a young age, Merril knew it would be up to him to take action to realize his dreams, and has since used Find A Way to attain his life goals.
As a speaker, Merril sets himself apart by sharing not only amusing anecdotes and exceptional motivational techniques from eight years of playing professional football and 14 years at ESPN, but also by sharing the life adversity and hardships he faced along the way. Hardships that could have made him give up, but didn’t. Not even when life dealt him its nastiest blow – cancer.
An NFL analyst who studies coaches’ tape, Merril has the unique ability to transition from his inspirational Find A Way message to sharing expert information and insight into the game. His enthusiasm and the ease with which he delivers his message resonates with people of diverse backgrounds, including students, parents and business executives within any program or organization.
Merril speaks on subjects such as:
- Achieving Goals
- Dealing with Adversity
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Power of The Mind and Body
- Finding Peace in Your Life
- Health and Fitness
For more information please email us here.
Find a Way: The Beginning
You dreamed of something when you were young, we all did. Something that was within your reach, and you believed it was only a matter of time until that dream became a reality. Then, somewhere along the way, life's realities and responsibilities caused you to neglect that dream, and perhaps, made you cynical.
It’s true that life can be difficult. Many things can derail your dreams. But adversity, failure, tragedy and loss are a part of the human existence. You can always find a reason or a justification to quit. Or, you can find a way to succeed.
In his Find A Way message, Merril Hoge speaks from the experience of finding his way to the NFL, [and becoming a piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers legacy,] through a no-name college program and critiques that he was "too small" and "too slow." He speaks of his life before and after football, which was riddled with both common and extreme hardships, from nearly losing his arm as a boy, to the early death of his mother, to life-threatening concussions which forced him out of the game and to have to re-learn to read at 30-years-old. Then, as his post-NFL career as an ESPN analyst began to flourish, Merril was dealt perhaps his toughest blow. On February 14, 2003 he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Through every obstacle, Merril returned to the boyhood motto pinned to his bedroom wall: Find A Way. And every time, he did. His experience is proof that despite the countless steps and strategies mapped out in today's motivational books, the primary factor that separates the extraordinary individual from the ordinary one is the will and determination to find a way to succeed.
Regardless of past or present circumstances, your future is not paved before you. You pave it as you go, and the resources you utilize and energies you exert are up to you. You can pave your life with fear, apathy and self-pity. Or, you can pave it with courage, resilience and an undying spirit.
This gift of choice is one that we all possess. It can be given away, but it cannot be taken away. At the end of every day – and every life – what you have done with this gift defines your choice to be ordinary, or something a little greater.
My Favorite Football Player
Adminstering the "Red Death"
Professional sports have always held a special place in the hearts of Americans, but never more so than during this difficult era in our nation's history. Amid war and economic uncertainty, sports serve as more than just an entertaining diversion. Sports can be a powerful healing tool, as well as a reminder of the basic joys and values in life.
The Find A Way message is a culmination of life lessons which include eight seasons of playing in the NFL. Merril uses his NFL experience to communicate the fundamental values instilled in him by legendary coach Chuck Noll, and how they can be applied to all aspects of life.
As the father of two great kids, Kori and Beau, Merril pays close attention to the actions and messages of today's role models and people his children look up to. He uses the Find A Way philosophy to encourage his children to take ownership of their lives, overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He hopes that Find A Way will prove to be a valuable resources for parents everywhere when teaching their children to pursue their dreams, despite the challenges they may face -- especially those who are interested in sports.
To book Merril Hoge for your next event or meeting please email us here.
Excellence is a Habit
A Life Lesson from Coach Chuck Knoll
