A meeting that began with Merril Hoge fearful of getting chewed up by head coach Chuck Noll ended with one of his favorite memories of the man. And an important lesson about showing effort and heart. Joining 102.5 DVE earlier this week, Hoge shared the story of Noll watching back a preseason punt where Hoge missed the initial tackle.
“We kicked the ball to [the returner],” Hoge told the show. ” When he catches the ball, he just makes one move. And I move, I slide right by him. I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh’…I get up and he’s dancing, going sideways.