NFL’s No.1 Referee Ed Hochuli Exposes Evidence of “Rigged Call” That Stole Eagles’ Win Against Broncos
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PHILADELPHIA — The fallout from the Eagles’ 21-17 loss to the Denver Broncos continues to escalate, as one of the most respected voices in NFL officiating history, former referee Ed Hochuli, has publicly criticized the officiating crew for their handling of the game’s final moments.
The matchup ended in chaos after a clear defensive pass interference near the 5-yard line was ignored — a no-call that cost Philadelphia a potential game-winning drive. Video replays showed Denver defender JL Skinner making significant contact with Dallas Goedert, preventing him from catching Jalen Hurts’ perfect throw.
While Eagles fans flooded social media calling the moment a “robbery,” Hochuli took the discussion to another level, saying in a televised segment:
“That was a foul — plain and simple. If this crew can’t throw a flag on that, then we have a bigger problem in consistency. Eagles were robbed of a fair chance to win that football game.”
Hochuli, who officiated over 500 NFL games and multiple Super Bowls, emphasized that such missed calls damage the league’s integrity:
“You can’t tell me that’s mutual contact. Goedert was pulled down. When a game of that magnitude comes down to one play, you must make the right call — no excuses.”
His comments sparked widespread reaction among fans and analysts alike. Eagles supporters praised Hochuli for “having the courage to say what everyone saw,” while even neutral fans admitted the missed call was “unacceptable for this level of officiating.”
ESPN and CBS Sports both reviewed the play, agreeing that a defensive penalty should have been called, which would have given Philadelphia first-and-goal with seconds remaining. Analysts concluded that “had the officials made the correct call, the Eagles likely win.”
As the controversy grows, the NFL has yet to comment officially. But for many fans — and for Hochuli — the message is clear:
“You can live with losing a game. But when you lose because someone didn’t do their job, that’s what stings the most.”
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