Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge talks concussions, innovative app for baseline testing

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Former NFL running back Merril Hoge played seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers between 1987-93, before his career took a shocking turn one night in October 1994. 

Hoge, 57, spoke to Fox News Digital about his career-ending concussion during his 1994 season with the Chicago Bears and the eye-opening experience that not only changed the trajectory of his career, but also his focus on head trauma and preventative care.  

Hoge joined the Bears as a free agent in 1994 after a successful career in Pittsburgh, where he led the team in rushing and receiving in four of his first five years and became one of just two players in franchise history to rush for more than 100 yards in back-to-back playoff games.

PLAYING HURT, OFTEN WILLINGLY, IS COMMON FOR NFL PLAYERS

Pittsburgh Steelers Merril Hoge rushing vs. Denver Broncos Steve Atwater in Denver, Colorado, on Jan. 7, 1990.  (Andy Hayt/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

The Idaho native was no stranger to concussions in his lengthy professional and collegiate career, but this would all change on Oct. 2, 1994, when he took a hard hit in a game against the Buffalo Bills which later caused him to go into cardiac arrest – he needed to be resuscitated in the locker room.

Nearly 28 years later, Hoge maintains that the concussion isn’t what ended his career but rather what happened several weeks prior to that game. 

"This is where it is always misunderstood when people say concussions ended my career. No, it did not. Improper care did."

Hoge suffered a concussion several weeks before the one he sustained against Buffalo. He recalled the method by which a doctor cleared him at the time as "archaic,"