NFL referee Shawn Hochuli surprised fans in Munich by announcing a false start penalty in German during the Carolina Panthers’ narrow 20-17 victory over the New York Giants. The unique call, mostly delivered in German, ended with Hochuli clarifying in English, “It’s by the center. It’s third down.” This bilingual announcement thrilled the crowd, adding a unique cultural touch to the international game.
Hochuli’s choice to announce in German holds sentimental value as he follows in the footsteps of his father, Ed Hochuli, a renowned NFL official who made a similar gesture in 2005 by announcing a penalty in Spanish during the league’s first regular-season game outside the United States, held in Mexico City. This call marked a memorable moment in NFL international history, echoing Shawn’s call nearly two decades later in Germany.
Since joining the NFL in 2014 and becoming a referee in 2018, Shawn Hochuli has been involved in notable officiating moments, including issuing Tom Brady the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of his career during a playoff game in 2022. Shawn’s officiating career reflects his father’s legacy, blending notable calls with cross-cultural engagement as the league expands internationally.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently emphasized the NFL’s commitment to expanding its international presence, with plans to bring a game to Berlin after previous successful games in Munich and Frankfurt. This year, NFL games held in Germany have been incredibly popular, with the Giants-Panthers game selling out in just over 90 minutes when tickets became available in June, showing the strong German fan interest in American football.
In addition to Germany, the NFL’s 2023 international series has included its first game in Brazil and will expand to Spain next year with a game scheduled in Madrid. London, too, remains a key venue, hosting three games this season. The Panthers’ victory over the Giants concluded this year’s international games, with a thrilling overtime field goal following a Giants fumble, securing Carolina’s win and marking the end of a successful global NFL season.
