Ed Hochuli is hanging up the biceps, and Jeff Triplette is saying goodbye to the critics.
Hochuli, one of the most well-known NFL referees, has retired, as has the controversial Triplette, senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron announced Tuesday.
The NFL won’t have to move on without a Hochuli, though. Riveron also announced that the retiring duo would be replaced by Shawn Hochuli — Ed’s son — and Alex Kemp.
The 67-year-old Hochuli worked two Super Bowls and was best known for fitting his big arms into tight sleeves and long-winded explanations. He had been the league’s longest-tenured referee.
Triplette, who had been a referee since 1999, is known in part for temporarily blinding Browns lineman Orlando Brown with an errant penalty flag. He also had a rough final game, officiating the AFC wild-card matchup between the Chiefs and Titans. Among other grievances from the game, Triplette blew an early whistle on a play in which Marcus Mariota fumbled the ball and the Chiefs recovered. Tennessee would launch a wild comeback and shock Kansas City.