ESPN colleagues say Merril Hoge underwent successful heart surgery

PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and current ESPN personality Merril Hoge underwent heart surgery Monday, and according to his ESPN colleagues, it went well.

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Last week on an episode of “NFL Primetime,” Hoge announced that he was going to be taking some time off.

“I’m going to be gone -- I’m taking a little bye week. I’m going to have heart surgery, but I’ll be back in a month, though,” Hoge said.

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Alongside Trey Wingo and Tim Hasselbeck, Hoge joked that he wanted to return before Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.

“I challenged him -- let’s see who can be back quicker, me or him -- back to the field or back to the studio,” Hoge said.

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All the best during your recovery, Merril. We’re all pulling for you!

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