NFL Referee Dazzles Giants-Panthers Commentators by Calling Penalty in German During Munich Game

The NFL’s growing international presence took another exciting step on November 10, 2024, during the highly anticipated game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. While the game itself provided plenty of drama, there was one moment that took everyone by surprise — and it wasn’t a touchdown or a game-changing play.

When the referee, Shawn Hochuli, called a false start penalty against the Panthers, he did something that had the crowd and the commentators both stunned: He issued the penalty in German. The Allianz Arena crowd, already buzzing with excitement at being part of the historic international matchup, erupted into cheers at the referee’s multilingual flair.

Hochuli then proceeded to repeat the penalty announcement in English, making sure the American audience and players were on the same page. But it was the German part of the call that captured the attention of fans, broadcasters, and social media alike.

Kurt Warner, a Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the commentators on the NFL Network broadcast, immediately reacted, saying, “That was a big-time flex right there!” Rich Eisen, co-commentator and NFL Network host, was equally taken aback, exclaiming, “Look at Shawn Hochuli!”

A Family Legacy of Multilingual Calls

What made the moment even more intriguing was the fact that Hochuli’s father, Ed Hochuli, had a similar experience nearly 20 years ago. In 2005, during the NFL’s first-ever game in Mexico, Ed Hochuli made history by issuing a penalty call in Spanish. The Hochuli family, it seems, has a unique and impressive legacy when it comes to multilingual officiating.

Ed Hochuli, known for his detailed and authoritative penalty announcements, was always a fan favorite. But now, it appears that his son Shawn, who has become one of the more recognizable referees in the NFL, is continuing the family tradition with his own impressive international flair. This move by Shawn Hochuli highlights the NFL’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and ensuring that fans across the world feel included in the excitement of the game, regardless of the language spoken.

The Game Itself: Panthers vs. Giants in Munich

While the multilingual penalty call made waves, the game between the Giants and Panthers was a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The Panthers, coming off a narrow 23-22 victory over their NFC South rivals, the New Orleans Saints, were in full control during the first half. At halftime, Carolina led 10-0, with their defense stifling the Giants’ offense. In particular, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a tough first half, throwing an interception just before the end of the second quarter.

For the Panthers, the momentum was firmly on their side as they looked to build on their recent win and turn their season around. Coming into the game with a 2-7 record, both teams were struggling to find consistency. But the Panthers were dominating the field, especially on defense, which allowed them to keep the Giants’ offense at bay.

The Giants, on the other hand, were desperate to snap their four-game losing streak. After a promising playoff run in 2022, expectations were high in New York for the Giants and their quarterback, Daniel Jones, who had just signed a massive four-year, $160 million extension after a breakout season. But with questions swirling about Jones’ performance, the pressure on the quarterback and head coach Brian Daboll was mounting.

With both teams sitting at 2-7, this game was crucial for each franchise’s playoff hopes — and also for the future of their respective quarterbacks. Jones, still adjusting to his new contract and the expectations that came with it, was under intense scrutiny as his future in New York seemed uncertain.

The Global Reach of the NFL

The NFL’s international games have become a major part of the league’s strategy to globalize the sport. While the game in Munich was the highlight of the day, it also marked another step in the NFL’s effort to make football a truly global sport. Fans from all over Europe packed Allianz Arena to cheer on their teams, proving that the passion for the game transcends borders. With international games in London, Mexico City, and now Munich, the NFL is slowly but surely building a global fan base.

Hochuli’s German-language penalty call was a small but significant moment that perfectly encapsulated this international push. It was a gesture that showed respect for the host country and its language while also making the event feel truly global. The crowd’s enthusiasm for the German call was a reminder that, despite the differences in language and culture, sports have a universal ability to unite people.

Looking Ahead

As for the game itself, the Panthers’ dominance in the first half was impressive, but the second half promised a potential comeback from the Giants. With the stakes high for both teams, it was clear that every play mattered. The spotlight, however, was not just on the football players but also on the cultural significance of the event — and the multilingual move by Shawn Hochuli was a moment that will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone in attendance.

For the Giants, the road to recovery seemed a long one, especially with questions surrounding Daniel Jones’ future in New York. The Panthers, with their own set of struggles, were trying to use the momentum from this game to right the ship and salvage their season. Either way, both teams were aware that every game from here on out was crucial.

In the end, it wasn’t just the football that made this game special — it was the moment of shared culture, the connection between the game and the global audience, and the reminder that the NFL is not just an American pastime anymore. With the incredible sights, sounds, and experiences of the Munich game, fans across the world got a little closer to the game they love.

And as for the call in German? It was a perfect reflection of the NFL’s expanding reach, where the love of the game — and even the penalty calls — can transcend borders and languages.