Ref Adrian Hill Apologizes to Eagles, Denies Bias — Hopes Team Withdraws Complaint to Avoid Suspension
Referee Adrian Hill has publicly apologized to the Philadelphia Eagles following the controversial ending of their Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos — a finish that has sparked national outrage and led to the suspension of Hill’s entire officiating crew.
Hill acknowledged the officiating crew’s mistakes, especially the non-call on tight end Dallas Goedert in the game’s final seconds. Goedert was visibly pulled down by Denver cornerback Quinton Skinner near the goal line, yet no pass interference flag was thrown — a decision that cost Philadelphia a final scoring opportunity.
“That was a critical miss,” Hill admitted. “Goedert deserved that call, and as the lead official, I take full responsibility. There was no bias, no corruption — just human error under pressure.”
The veteran referee also denied any form of intentional wrongdoing and emphasized his long-standing commitment to fair play. “I’ve worked too many games over too many years to ever let integrity be questioned,”
he said.
According to league sources, Hill has sent a formal letter of apology to both the Eagles organization and the NFL office. In it, he asked for understanding and urged the Eagles to
withdraw their formal complaint, which could help prevent a permanent suspension.
Hill wrote, “Philadelphia deserved better in that moment. I’ve always respected how hard that team plays and how much that city loves football. I can only ask for forgiveness, not excuses.”
NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson confirmed the league has received Hill’s appeal but stated that the suspension remains in effect pending a full review of the officiating report.
While many fans welcomed Hill’s honesty, others remain skeptical, calling for sweeping reforms in officiating accountability. For the Eagles, the apology might bring some closure — but not back the victory they believe was stolen.
Pete Carroll Declares: 'Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer Are Key to Our Future—Injuries Won’t Stop Us!'
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is staying focused on the long-term vision for his team, even as injuries threaten to sideline some of his key players. Carroll recently made it clear that tight ends
"Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer are foundational pieces of our future," Carroll said. "Injuries are just bumps in the road, but we’ve got the resources and the mentality to push through. We’re building something special here, and those two are at the heart of it."
Both Bowers and Mayer were expected to be pivotal players in the Seahawks' offensive scheme. Bowers, known for his dynamic playmaking ability and his combination of speed and strength, was drafted as a high-potential talent. Mayer, a physical tight end with excellent route-running and blocking skills, was viewed as an ideal asset for the Seahawks' offense.
However, both players have been dealing with injuries that have put their availability for the remainder of the season in question. Despite this, Carroll’s confidence in their abilities remains unwavering, as he sees them as key pieces of the team’s future success. Carroll's message to fans is clear: these injuries are temporary setbacks, but the vision for the Seahawks’ offense and their overall progression remains intact.
"We've got a great team of professionals here, from our medical staff to our players. We're making sure both Brock and Michael get the attention they need to heal and come back stronger than ever," Carroll continued. "This is part of the journey, and it’s about getting better every day. Injuries happen, but it’s the mentality of the team and our resilience that will keep us moving forward."
Carroll’s leadership philosophy emphasizes long-term success over short-term setbacks. Rather than rushing his injured players back into action, he is taking a measured approach to ensure they are fully recovered and ready to contribute when they return. The coaching staff continues to prepare other players to step up in the interim, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Seahawks roster.
As the season progresses, Carroll’s confidence in the team's future is contagious. His words reassure both the players and the fans that the Seahawks are building something sustainable. With Bowers and Mayer at the core of the offense, the team has a solid foundation to work with.
With the vision set, the Seahawks will continue to push through the challenges they face, staying committed to the development of their young stars and focusing on the bigger picture. Carroll’s confidence in his team, even in the face of adversity, sets the tone for the entire organization.
