SHOCKING: Legendary Referee Ed Hochuli Criticizes Son Shawn After Bills vs Patriots Game — “He’s Turning the Field Into a Fantasy!”
Foxborough, MA – October 6, 2025
In a stunning moment that’s shaking up the NFL world, legendary referee Ed Hochuli — known for his booming voice and no-nonsense officiating style — publicly called out his own son,
The Monday night clash between Buffalo and New England was marred by a series of questionable calls that seemed to tilt momentum late in the game. Bills fans erupted online, claiming the officiating crew “handed” the win to the Patriots — but no one expected
In an unfiltered interview after the game, the retired referee didn’t hold back:
“I love my son, but I’ve got to be honest — some of those calls out there were ridiculous. He’s turning the field into a fantasy instead of letting the game play out. Officiating is about fairness, not theatrics. The spotlight belongs on the players, not the whistle.”
NFL fans were stunned to see the legendary official openly rebuke his son, with one viral post saying:
“When Ed Hochuli calls you out — you KNOW it’s bad.”
Even current and former players chimed in, calling for greater accountability in NFL officiating. One anonymous player told reporters,
League insiders say the NFL’s Referee Review Committee is “aware” of the controversy but has not announced any formal response.
As for Shawn Hochuli, he has yet to comment publicly — but the football world is watching closely to see how he responds to criticism from the man who helped define modern NFL officiating.
Buccaneers are dealing with some bad injury news about Chris Godwin
Given all the injuries the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with, the absolute late thing the team needs is for another key player to go down. That unfortunately seems to be the case with Chris Godwin, who is already dealing with an injury just a few weeks after making his triumphant return to the lineup.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Godwin isn’t expected to play against San Francisco this Sunday.
After missing the first month of the season following his season-ending injury last year, Godwin returned in Week 4 at the exact right time.
Right before his return, the Bucs lost Mike Evans to a hamstring injury that still has him out of action. Godwin’s return also came at a time when Tampa Bay’s offense was reeling from the loss of Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch, the latter of whom is done for the season with an injury.
So to lose Godwin again amid the myriad of injuries the team is dealing with is less than ideal. While it may seem like nightmare scenario, it’s not the end of the world.
Chris Godwin seems unlikely to play in Week 6 vs. 49ers
One of the reasons Godwin returning was exciting was because he was joining an offense that had Emeka Egbuka on it. The rookie’s rise has been one of the best stories not only for the Bucs but in all of the NFL this season. To pair him up with a threat like Godwin felt like a cheat code.
The results have spoken for themselves. While Godwin hasn’t exploded back onto the scene his presence has certainly in at least some way aided Egbuka’s continued ascent.
Having Egbuka against a beat up 49ers defense is reason to believe the Bucs still have more than a fighting chance to win. It is not be easy; Godwin joins Bucky Irving, along with Evans, as key offensive players who are out for Week 6.
It was a serious injury he suffered less than a year ago, and Godwin didn’t have training camp to ramp back up — he missed its entirety while resting. Hearing that he’s already dealing with an injury is less than ideal but the 4-1 Bucs are in this for the long haul and having him and other key players healthy for a playoff push is all that matters right now.
