Terry Hoage's journey in professional football began when he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft. A safety known for his intelligence and adaptability on the field, Hoage quickly established himself as a reliable player in the defensive backfield. His tenure with the Saints, however, was just the beginning of a career that would see him play for several teams across the National Football League.
After his time with the Saints, Hoage was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986. It was with the Eagles that he found a more prominent role, becoming a starter and contributing significantly to the team's defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions was a testament to his understanding of the sport. Hoage's performance with the Eagles was marked by his knack for being in the right place at the right time, often disrupting opposing offenses with his keen sense of anticipation.
In 1989, Hoage moved to the Washington Redskins, where he continued to be a valuable asset in the secondary. His tenure with the Redskins was highlighted by the team's victory in Super Bowl XXVI, where they defeated the Buffalo Bills. Although Hoage was not a starter in the Super Bowl, his presence on the roster added depth to the Redskins' defense, and he played a role in their successful season.
Following his stint with the Redskins, Hoage joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1991. His time with the 49ers was relatively short, but he contributed to the team's defensive efforts during his stay. Hoage's career then took him to the Houston Oilers, where he played for a brief period before moving on to the Arizona Cardinals. With the Cardinals, he continued to demonstrate his football acumen, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team's defensive unit.
Throughout his career, Terry Hoage was known for his cerebral approach to the game. His ability to analyze plays and anticipate the actions of opposing quarterbacks made him a valuable player on every team he joined. Hoage's career in the NFL spanned over a decade, during which he played for six different teams and participated in numerous memorable games.
After retiring from professional football, Hoage pursued a new passion in winemaking, establishing a vineyard in California.
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