The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Hoge in the tenth round of 1987 NFL Draft with the 261st pick overall. After seven seasons with the Steelers, Hoge signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 1994.

In his career, Hoge gained 3139 rushing yards and 2133 receiving yards, along with 34 touchdowns. While playing fullback in the Steeler's I-form offense, he scored 10 touchdowns in 1990.

In 1997, Hoge was hired as an on-air football analyst for ESPN.

Hoge injured his shoulder in an automobile accident in June 2002 and had an operation to repair a torn ligament. During an examination six months after surgery, Hoge told his doctor about a recurring back pain. His doctor began ordering tests to determine the cause. On February 14, 2003, Hoge was diagnosed with stage II Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He had the first of six chemotherapy treatments on February 28.

On July 2, 2003, after completing the chemotherapy, Hoge was declared cancer free. Hoge has served on the board of directors of the Highmark Caring Foundation.