Joe Hoague
Joe Daniell Hoague (February 18, 1918 – January 4, 1991) was an American football player who played in the NFL as a fullback and halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles, and the Boston Yanks.
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Hoague was a standout athlete at The Governor’s Academy, where he played multiple sports and served as baseball captain. He won the Morse Flag, an award for outstanding character and leadership, and graduated in 1937.
Hoague attended Colgate University, where he earned three varsity letters and was an honorable All-American. He was inducted into Colgate’s Hall of Honor in 1990.
In the 1941 NFL draft, Hoague was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 13th round (111th overall). Due to the war, his rights were transferred to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the events known as the Pennsylvania Polka. He played two seasons with the Steelers before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He returned to football in 1946 with the Boston Yanks. Before leaving for the Navy, he also appeared in a game for the Steagles against the Chicago Bears.
After his playing days, Hoague had a long coaching career. In 1980, he was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame for his dedication to coaching football at Melrose High School in Melrose, Massachusetts. He coached at Melrose, Natick, and Taunton High Schools, compiling 200 victories, and he was inducted into the Massachusetts Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He died in Lakeville, Massachusetts, at age 72.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 23:02 (CET).