For the second time this NFL in the playoffs, America was treated to a few extra minutes of free football, while the New York Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in overtime.
Throughout the competition, fans were also treated to eloquent speeches from the NFL referee. Ed Hochuliperhaps the most recognizable white hat in the league, known as much for his physicality as for his mastery of the rules and attention to detail, a trait particularly evident during his comprehensive explanations of penalties.
It’s no surprise that fans turned out for the second of two football games played on Sunday. Twitter to applaud, jeer and comment on the Giants vs. 49ers game.
With the Giants quarterback Elie Manning and wide receiver Victor Cruz lighting up the scoreboard, as well as San Francisco’s Vernon Davis’ two touchdown receptions, so it was quite surprising that “Ed Hochuli” was the World’s #1 hot topic related to the NFC Championship Game, except for the #NFL hashtag being promoted.
Trending “Ed Hochuli” for more than three consecutive hours on Sunday evening, some people commented on Hochuli’s impressive physical appearance:
Others, like ABC’s Josh Elliottchose to address Hochuli’s superior oratorical skills – or at least his tendency to make extensive use of a football stadium’s public address system:
Put it all together, some recognized the real cohesive effect that Ed Hochuli seems to have among ardent football fans, ultimately admitting that Hochuli alone, without a football game in the background, could easily attract Super Bowl-sized audiences.
In the end, it was time to give thanks for an evening of Hochuli-branded entertainment.
For 49ers fans, Hochuli’s performance was a wonderful parting gift, a Twitter joke.
to ease the pain caused by Kyle Williams’ losing fumble in overtime.
Next up, after the Super Bowl, is baseball season and Phil Coke’s brain already tweet for an explanation of the rules of this sport.
Maybe it’s finally time to put a microphone on MLB umpire Joe West.
Gil Imber is Bleacher Report’s featured rules columnist and owner of Close sportsa site dedicated to the objective and fair analysis of close or controversial calls in sports.
