Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football, in which he challenges misinformation about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its impact on athletes.
He currently sits on the board of the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research and continues to push for better player safety protocols. “It’s about protecting athletes, not scaring them away from the game,” Hoge explained. “Education, proper coaching, and improved equipment have made football safer than ever before.”
Lessons for Life and Business
Hoge’s message extends beyond sports. His Find a Way philosophy is a universal call to action, applicable to business, personal development, and overcoming life’s inevitable hardships. He emphasized two key traits that successful people share: integrity and self-evaluation.
“We will all be exposed for our integrity at some point,” Hoge stated. “It’s better to be exposed for having it than not having it.”
He also encouraged the audience to develop a habit of self-reflection. “Ask yourself—are you doing your part? Are you taking ownership of your journey? If not, then what do you need to change?”
The Power of the Mind
Throughout his speech, one of the most memorable in the history of WPA, Hoge reiterated that mindset is the most powerful tool we have. “Do you control your mind, or does your mind control you?” he asked the audience. “Fear is temporary, but regret is forever.”
As he concluded, Hoge left the audience with a challenge: to take control of their future, set clear goals, and commit to action. “Every day, when your feet hit the ground, remember - you’re in charge. You decide how you’re going to attack the day.”
Merril Hoge’s life is proof that the human spirit is capable of incredible resilience. From the NFL field to the chemotherapy chair, from the ESPN desk to the operating table, he has found a way—every single time. And through his words and example, he continues to inspire others to do the same.
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