Football Zebras has confirmed the assignment of referees Shawn Hochuli and Clete Blakeman to the Conference Championship games on Sunday. Hochuli will have the NFC game between the Commanders and Eagles; Blakeman will be heading the crew for the AFC title match between the Bills and Chiefs. Full crews will be posted once available.
NFC Championship Game, Commanders at Eagles, 3 p.m. ET Fox
Shawn Hochuli is working his first Conference Championship, adding to his playoff resume which includes a Wild Card Playoff and 7 Divisional Playoffs.
Fairly or not, Hochuli is frequently mentioned in context with his father, former NFL referee Ed Hochuli. In this context, the family comparison is welcome, as the elder Hochuli worked 9 Conference Championship games, and Shawn is taking his first step towards that achievement.
Hochuli was a referee in the Pac-12 Conference for four seasons when the NFL hired him in 2015. He was also a referee in the Arena Football League for 8 seasons.
Hochuli, 46, is a financial advisor in the Los Angeles area.
AFC Championship Game, Bills at Chiefs, 6:40 p.m. ET CBS Paramount+
Clete Blakeman will be the referee for the AFC Championship Game, working back to back Conference Championships and his third in the last five years. This is Blakeman’s 16th postseason assignment, including 4 Wild Card Playoffs, 5 Divisional Playoffs, 5 Conference Championships, and Super Bowl 50. His Super Bowl assignment was as a referee.
Before becoming an official, Blakeman was a second-string quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1984 to 1987. He started a handful of games, most notably a 70-0 shutout of the Kansas Jayhawks in 1986.
Blakeman, 60, came to the NFL from the Big 12 Conference in 2008. After a couple of seasons at field judge, he was promoted to referee in 2010.
Blakeman is a personal-injury attorney in Omaha, where he lives with his wife and two children.
The officiating crews for the upcoming Conference Championships have been announced, and two familiar faces will be taking the field as the referees. Ed Hochuli and Clete Blakeman have been selected to lead their respective crews for these crucial playoff games.
Hochuli, known for his muscular physique and detailed explanations of calls on the field, has been a fixture in the NFL for years. His experience and knowledge of the game make him a trusted presence on the field during high-stakes matchups like the Conference Championships.
Blakeman, a former lawyer, has been a referee in the NFL since 2008 and has earned a reputation for his decisive and fair officiating. His calm demeanor and ability to effectively communicate with players and coaches make him a valuable asset to any game he oversees.
With Hochuli and Blakeman at the helm, fans can expect a well-officiated and exciting Conference Championship games. Their presence on the field ensures that the games will be played fairly and according to the rules, giving both teams an equal opportunity to compete for a spot in the Super Bowl.
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