Packers Legend Charles Woodson Exposes ‘Rigging Calls’ That Cost Steelers the Game Against Green Bay

PITTSBURGH, PA — A storm of controversy has erupted following the Steelers’ 28–32 loss to the Green Bay Packers, with even Packers legend Charles Woodson calling out the officiating crew for “rigging” calls that he says “changed the entire outcome.”

Appearing on Fox NFL Sunday, the Hall of Famer reviewed several key plays and broke down what he described as “a pattern of one-sided officiating” that favored the Packers throughout the game.

“I’m happy the Packers won — don’t get me wrong,” Woodson said. “But winning because of the refs? That’s embarrassing. You want to earn it, not have it handed to you. If you can’t look your opponent in the eye after the game and say, ‘We beat you fair and square,’ then that victory doesn’t mean a thing.”

Here’s a look at the three biggest ‘rigging’ moments Woodson highlighted:

1. Missed Offside on Packers’ Defense (3rd Quarter, Early Drive)

On 3rd-and-8, QB Aaron Rodgers lined up for a deep throw to WR Roman Wilson. As he began the snap count, multiple Packers defenders clearly jumped early — yet no flag was thrown. The play was blown up, and Pittsburgh lost a crucial first down that could have extended the drive.

They missed a defensive offsides and BAD!!!!!! #Steelers pic.twitter.com/E7MqWOYRLV

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) October 27, 2025

“That’s textbook offsides. You can see two Packers cross the line before the snap,” Woodson explained. “You don’t call that, and you kill a drive — simple as that.”

2. Incorrect Call on Incomplete Pass to Start 3rd Quarter

Later, with the Steelers leading 16–7, Rodgers’ 3rd-down pass was ruled incomplete under heavy pressure. However, replays showed potential defensive pass interference from a Packers corner who made early contact — again, no flag. Coach Mike Tomlin voiced his frustration postgame, calling it a “clear error” by the officials.

“It’s one thing to miss a bang-bang call,” Woodson noted, “but this one wasn’t even close. That’s taking points off the board for Pittsburgh.”

3. Phantom ‘Unnecessary Roughness’ on LB Nick Herbig (4th Quarter, Special Teams)

Late in the fourth quarter, Steelers EDGE Nick Herbig was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after a brief altercation with a Packers player — even though replay showed it was nothing more than light contact and minor trash talk. The 15-yard penalty pushed Pittsburgh back to their own 45-yard line, halting what had been a promising comeback drive with the score sitting at 25–28.

“I’m all for discipline,” Woodson said, “but that wasn’t unsportsmanlike — that was football. When you start throwing flags for emotion in a rivalry game, you’re not protecting players, you’re killing competition.”

Fans across social media blasted the decision as a “soft call” and accused officials of inconsistency, noting that similar actions by Packers players went unpenalized. Many argued the flag cost the Steelers their momentum in the final minutes.

By the end of the night, even neutral analysts criticized lead referee Shawn Hochuli and his crew for what one outlet described as “absolutely awful officiating.” Fans flooded social media, demanding accountability after yet another game where poor refereeing stole the spotlight.

“It’s one thing when a team loses fair and square,” Woodson concluded. “But when the refs decide who wins, that’s when the integrity of the game is gone. Pittsburgh didn’t lose — they got robbed.”

Steelers fans have since rallied around Woodson’s comments, thanking the Packers legend for calling out the truth — even against his former team.