Legendary Ref Ed Hochuli Blasts Son Shawn for ‘Too Many Imaginary Calls’ in Bills vs. Patriots Game
Buffalo, NY – October 6, 2025
NFL legend Ed Hochuli — one of the most respected referees in league history — has publicly criticized his own son, Shawn Hochuli, for what he described as
“too many imaginary calls” that tainted the Buffalo Bills’ 20–23 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night.
“I’ve watched every snap. Some of those calls didn’t exist — they were created out of thin air,” Ed Hochuli said. “This isn’t about bias; it’s about accountability. You can’t just invent fouls in critical moments of a close game.”
Hochuli was referring to two key moments in the fourth quarter that flipped the outcome in favor of New England.
The first came when Bills running back James Cook took a vicious hit from rookie linebacker
Hunter Farmer after he was clearly down. No flag was thrown, and the Patriots quickly regained momentum. Hochuli called it “a textbook late hit that somehow disappeared.”
Moments later, the Bills were penalized for a
Fans erupted online within minutes. Hashtags like #BillsGotRobbed and #RiggedInFoxboro
trended overnight, with millions viewing clips of the disputed plays. Even former officials agreed that the calls favored the Patriots, labeling the performance by Shawn Hochuli’s crew as
Ed Hochuli didn’t hold back from addressing the uncomfortable father-son dynamic:
“I love my son, but the whistle has to mean something. When you start calling ghosts, you lose the respect of the game.”
He added that the league must “reevaluate how accountability works at the officiating level,” warning that incidents like this damage public trust.
For the Bills, the loss was more than just another defeat — it was a flashpoint in the growing debate over officiating fairness. And for the Hochuli family, it marked a rare moment where football’s most famous father and son found themselves on opposite sides of the whistle.
Brock Purdy Defends Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance: "Music Unites Us, Regardless of Language"
As the 2026 Super Bowl draws closer, the announcement that Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show has sparked a wave of conversation. While some critics, such as former racecar driver Danica Patrick, have raised concerns over Bad Bunny performing in Spanish, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is one of the voices defending the Latin music icon, emphasizing that music is a universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together.
Bad Bunny, who has become a global icon and a representative of Latin culture, will take the stage at the Super Bowl in February 2026, a moment that has already generated significant debate. Patrick, known for her strong opinions, expressed her disapproval of the artist’s inclusion, stating that songs performed in Spanish should have no place at the Super Bowl, one of America’s most-watched television events. “No songs in English should be allowed at one of America’s highest-rated television events of the year,” Patrick tweeted, along with an eye-roll emoji. She also shared a video accusing Bad Bunny of being a “demonic Marxist,” a comment that quickly ignited a backlash.
In response, Purdy, known for his calm demeanor and leadership on the field, took a stand in defense of Bad Bunny, focusing on the power of music to unite people from all walks of life. “Music is about bringing people together, no matter where you’re from or what language you speak,” Purdy stated. “Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl isn’t just for Spanish speakers—it’s for everyone. It’s about celebrating culture, celebrating music, and using the stage to bring us all closer. The Super Bowl is one of those rare moments where we all come together, and that’s exactly what Bad Bunny is doing.”
Purdy also emphasized the global reach of the Super Bowl, noting that it should represent the diversity of the audience watching from around the world. “The Super Bowl is an event watched by millions, and it’s not just for one group of people. It’s about celebrating all cultures and the beauty of what each brings to the table,” Purdy added. “Bad Bunny is using his platform to showcase his culture, and that’s something that should be respected. It’s an opportunity to unite, not divide.”
The debate over Bad Bunny’s performance grew even more intense when the artist revealed that he would avoid performing in the U.S. during his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour, citing concerns over the political climate and the increased activity of ICE under the previous administration. However, the Super Bowl remains an exception, providing Bad Bunny the opportunity to perform for millions of viewers around the globe.
For Purdy, the conversation should focus on music’s ability to bridge cultural gaps, regardless of language. “At the end of the day, music connects us all,” Purdy concluded. “It’s not about whether you understand every word—it’s about how the music makes you feel. Bad Bunny’s performance is a celebration of his culture and his roots. That’s something that should be embraced and appreciated, not criticized.”
As Super Bowl 2026 approaches, Purdy’s defense of Bad Bunny serves as a reminder that music is a powerful tool for inclusivity and unity. In a time when cultural conversations are at the forefront, the true purpose of music—connecting people from all backgrounds—should never be lost. Through his performance, Bad Bunny is helping to break down barriers, and Purdy’s perspective highlights the importance of celebrating diversity in every form.
