Social media is saluting NFL referee Ed Hochuli (and his muscles) on an unforgettable 28-year career.
The league announced on Tuesday that Hochuli, the NFL’s longest-tenured official, is retiring along with 22-year veteran Jeff Triplette. Hochuli will be replaced by his son Shawn, a former back judge, and Triplette will be replaced by former side judge Alex Kemp.
Hochuli’s retirement in particular resonated on Twitter, as he became a fan favorite over the years with his famously buff figure and his long explanations. Here were some of the best reactions and tributes that came Hochules’ way.
The NFL announced that longtime referee Ed Hochuli is retiring. Penalty explanations will never be the same.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 6, 2018
NFL referee Ed Hochuli is retiring, ending his 27-year reign of making middle-aged men quietly ashamed of their upper-body strength. pic.twitter.com/srjTDfdxZM
— Justin Taylor (@between2worlds) March 6, 2018
Ed Hochuli retires.
Goodnight Sweet Prince. pic.twitter.com/YnQchj6LV7— Trainwreck Sports (@TrainwreckSprts) March 6, 2018
Farewell, Ed Hochuli.
No longer will we have to feel bad about our biceps while watching you call a penalty. pic.twitter.com/0Vb9526liX— The Ringer (@ringer) March 6, 2018
Hochuli's retirement announcement will run 12 hours, 57 minutes
— Drew Magary (@drewmagary) March 6, 2018
Did Ed Hochuli’s biceps retire too though
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) March 6, 2018
Ed Hochuli is retiring from NFL officiating, no word yet on if he's retiring from the preacher curls. pic.twitter.com/JyLRnBUr3g
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 6, 2018
[hour 3 of Ed Hochuli's retirement speech at the NFL offices]
HOCHULI: Therefore, having completed the process of my employment, I am permitted to engage in various other activities
look Ed, most people just send a letter
HOCHULI: These activities include, but are not limited to:— Rodger Sherman (@rodger_sherman) March 6, 2018
EXCLUSIVE: Ed Hochuli retirement letter he sent to @NFL pic.twitter.com/I7e6GZSKSE
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) March 6, 2018
Long-time NFL referee Ed Hochuli is retiring. No word yet on if previously purchased tickets to the “Gun Show” will be refunded at this time. pic.twitter.com/2nSYr96fND
— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) March 6, 2018
Hold on, Ed Hochuli is still explaining why he’s retiring.
— Holy Elle (@Holy_Elle) March 6, 2018
With Ed Hochuli retired, the NFL referees have lost roughly 50% of their collective muscle mass
— Noncoverage Sports (@noncoverage) March 6, 2018
Indeed, the 67-year-old Hochuli provided us with some truly classic moments in his reffing career, and the recognition is all very well-deserved (but don’t keep it up too long because Ed has to be up at 5 AM tomorrow to hit the gym).
