The five most memorable Steelers players to wear jersey number 33

Merril Hoge-FB 1987-1993

If one specific Pittsburgh Steeler embodies what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler it certainly could be the number two most memorable Steeler to wear number 33. He also wore the number longer than any other Steeler except one. We are talking about Merril Hoge.

In college, he played for Idaho State University. He earned the nickname the “Idaho Flash” while setting an NCAA record with 2113 all-purpose yards in 1985, finishing his college career with 5453 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns. Then the Steelers came calling. They drafted Merril in the 10th round of the 1987 draft (261st overall).

Hoge even urged the Steelers to give him #33 as his number. Some teammates even tried to talk him out of it, though, as the jersey had an omen with it and few players who wore the number had any success. He got the jersey and went on to become an iconic member of the Steelers.

Those that remember watching him play would all agree he had a gritty style of running the ball. He didn’t burn defenses like his predecessor Franco Harris did. He played smash-mouth football, much like Barry Foster, Bam Morris, and later Jerome Bettis. Hoge would grind out those tough to get yards when the Steelers needed them the most.

After seven years with the Steelers Hoge had 819 rushes for 3115 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also had 241 receptions for 2054 yards and 13 touchdowns. Merril then opted for free agency in 1994 and signed with the Bears.

He probably could have played another five seasons or so except he suffered back to back concussion within one week. With the second one nearly killing him as Hoge had stopped breathing and medics had to revive him. He promptly retired, cutting his career short. Regardless, Hoge remains a fan favorite to this day.