Rumors debunked: Hochuli here to stay

During the Bears-Browns preseason game, the TV announcers made a passing reference that referee Ed Hochuli might be in his last year as an official — setting off alarm bells with some of our readers. This happened during the part of the game where the officiating crew was experimenting with six-man mechanics.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed to Football Zebras that the retirement announcement is false.

Ed Hochuli has certainly not decided to retire after this year.

As part of our preseason procedures for game officials, non-referees worked at the referee position in the fourth quarter of every game last night, practicing their mechanics in the event that the referee needs to leave the game during the regular season.

Barring a change of heart at the end of the season, it appears Mr. Hochuli will be officiating in 2016 and possibly beyond.