Merrill Hoge Reveals the Truth About CTE Media Won't Tell You | Jason Whitlock Harmony

SPEAKER_1 (0:01)

Having uncontrolled eosinophilic esophagitis or EOE can mean you're stuck in many ways, like cutting your food into tiny pieces, or stuck chewing food for a long time. Dupixant dupillumab, a prescription medicine for patients one year and older weighing at least 33 pounds can help with that. It's a breakthrough treatment that can reduce inflammation in the esophagus and improve swallowing.

How about this? Dupixant is not a steroid. It proactively treats EOE so you can get ahead of it.

SPEAKER_2 (0:34)

Severe allergic reactions, including skin reactions, can occur. Get help right away if you have trouble breathing or wheezing or swelling of your face, mouth, tongue or throat. Tell your doctor of new or worsening joint aches and pain or a parasitic infection or asthma. Don't change or stop other treatments without talking to your doctor.

SPEAKER_1 (0:49)

Feeling stuck with EOE? Start treating with dupixant. Talk to your gastroenterologist or allergist today about dupixant. Learn more at dupixant.com or call 1-844-DUPIXANT.

Jason Whitlock (1:00)

All right, welcome back. And as promised, we have a very special guest, someone I've been trying to get for the longest time because he knows more about this concussion CTE issue than I do. You guys know where I stand, where my gut instincts take me on this. But Merrill Hodge, the former Pittsburgh Steeler, a running back, former ESPN broadcaster, the guy that told you Johnny Manziel was going to be a bust, one of the smartest men talking football, and a guy that has just returned to talking football with Trey Wingo, with Damian Woodie and Mark Slarrith.

Merrill Hodge, welcome to Fearless and thank you for taking the time.

Merrill Hodge (1:48)

Jason, it's always good to be with you. You got great respect for what you do. And so it's nice to be a part of your show for a little bit. So thank you.

Jason Whitlock (1:55)

So before we get to concussions and CTE, tell us about what you're doing with Trey and Mark and Damian.

Merrill Hodge (2:02)

Well, we've all stayed in touch. And really Trey was the one that suggested that we all get together to talk football. And so I actually thought it was just gonna be for one show.

I didn't realize that he had this vision that we're gonna do it every week during the football season. So after I talked to Mark and Damian and Trey, we're like, God, let's do it. Let's go back to shows that we used to do in the past and update things. And Mark, Damian and I have access to coaching tape. I still study the game and have always studied the game. So we'll be able to bring some information to fans, especially after a game, when you think you saw something happen without seeing the whole 22 picture. We'll get to share things like that, insight that the camera doesn't show you, that you can't see because the game moves so fast. And some details that will be interesting to the fan. And we're excited about doing it. And the first show dropped yesterday and it was a real success and grateful that fans like it. So we'll keep doing it.

Jason Whitlock (3:10)

And it's called The OG Football Show and it's on YouTube, anyplace else?

Merrill Hodge (3:17)

Well, that's the main source right now is on YouTube. So we drive that. And if you want to go there and get access to it, we'd love it. And that'll be there for as long as we can keep it there.

Jason Whitlock (3:30)

Well, you know, I know you guys have settled on a name, The OG Football Show, but I'm wondering if it was ever in consideration just to call it, Hey guys, Jason Whitlock. It's that show. Or Jason Whitlock Likes. It's that show. We found the three guys that Jason Whitlock likes, and they're going to talk football.

And I say three guys because I like Trey Wingo, but I'm telling this good naturedly and humorously.

Years ago, maybe, Herm Edwards was coaching at Arizona State. And I believe Trey Wingo was on the sidelines because I think he's close with Herm Edwards. And he was still at ESPN. And one of my friends was the shoe guy for either Under Armour or Nike. And he was on the sidelines, a guy I played high school football with. And the bowl game was out, and I think in Las Vegas. And so I went on the sidelines with my buddy. And Trey Wingo was on the sidelines as well. And this is when he was still at ESPN. And he avoided me like I had the plague.

And, oh yeah, I found him. Really? Yeah, me and my buddy, guy named Shannon for a brush, and maybe Trey remembers him, was like, man, I was standing with Trey the whole first half. And as soon as you showed up, Trey just went to the other end of the field. But it's like, Shannon, I get it. You gotta understand, Trey can't be spotted with me while working at ESPN, giving my reputation. But tell Trey Wingo, I love what he's put together. I like him as well.