CRANBERRY TWP — “Find a Way” is the motto Merril Hoge has used for most of his life to motivate himself to achieve his goals.

The former Steelers running back and current TV analyst shared his personal experiences, philosophy on life and thoughts regarding sports head injuries on Wednesday with the students at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School.

Hoge, who lives in Kentucky, was visiting the area to speak at schools in conjunction with the Allegheny Health Network.

After playing a video clip with highlights from his career as well as his battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2003, Hoge talked about how he was determined to play in the National Football League from the time he was 12 years old.

He developed his motto “Find a Way” after people in his life told him the odds were slim that he could be a professional football player and that he should not be focused on just one goal.

Like his idol, running back Walter Payton, being the best at something is about mindset and determination in addition to skill and ability.

“I’ve never understood the ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ comment. It’s great to have multiple baskets, but if you’re going to go after something, go for it, go all in,” he said.

He also was inspired by Steelers coach Chuck Noll who give him some wise words during a practice his rookie season.

“He told me ‘I didn’t keep you on this roster to be a common football player, I need you to be uncommon. You need to give more than the minimum. You need to give the maximum,’” Hoge said.

After suffering two concussions while playing with the Chicago Bears in 1994, Hoge was forced to retire from football. After the second injury, he spent several days in a hospital intensive care unit and had to rehabilitate over the course of two months.

At that time the information available and the process for diagnosing and treating head injuries was much different from today, he said.

Following his first injury, he was cleared to return to play after having a brief phone conversation with a doctor who simply asked “how are you feeling?”

However, his near-death experience with head trauma did not cause him to prohibit his children from playing football. His son, Bo, is a high school senior and has committed to play quarterback at Brigham Young University next year.

Head injuries, he said, shouldn’t discourage people from participating in sports, but should spur them to become educated about their health and to seek the proper care for injuries.

“We don’t want to scare people away from being athletic and being active. Obesity is the biggest problem in this country, and we have got to stay active and healthy. Your health is the one thing you control in life.”

Being in good physical shape ended up being helpful in his battle with cancer, he said.

In addition to North Catholic students, Hoge talked to students at North Hills and Avonworth schools.

His visits were coordinated by Allegheny Health Network, said Craig Castor, director of the health network’s sports medicine program.

Hoge’s message is part of its efforts to spread awareness of health issues and the services the network offers, Castor said.

“This is not just about concussions. We want kids to be aware of their health,” he said.

Both Hoge and Castor encouraged students to get to know the school’s athletic trainer Kate Lewendowski, who is a health network employee, but who works at the school full time.

Originally from Idaho, Hoge was drafted by the Steelers in 1987 and played in Pittsburgh for seven seasons. He then played one year with the Chicago Bears before retiring in 1994 due to his injuries.

Since 1996 he has worked as football analyst for ESPN often commuting to Connecticut to appear on TV during the season. He also works with NFL Films.