Legendary NFL Official and Attorney
Ed Hoculi is an attorney and a former football official. Recently retired, Ed Hochuli was the most well-known referee in the NFL. Recognized by his atheletic physique and distinctive call-style, Ed Hochulic had a genuine cult following. Drawing on his unique experience working with athletes and other athletic professionals, and making split-second calls in front of 1-million+ viewers each week, Ed travels the country presenting for clients and various organizations on teamwork, negotiations, perspective and crisis management.
Education
Ed graduated from Canyon del Oro High School in the Tucson suburb of Oro Valley, Arizona. Hochuli earned his B.A. with honors from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1972. While at UTEP, Hochuli played linebacker from 1969 to 1972. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona in 1976. Ed was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1976 and has been a partner in the Arizona law firm of Jones, Skelton and Hochuli since 1983. He specializes in civil law and is admitted to practice in Arizona state and federal courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Attorney
Ed Hochuli is a founding partner of Jones, Skelton & Hochuli. As a dedicated trial attorney, Ed has tried more than 150 civil jury trials to verdict, focusing on cases involving dram shop and social host liability, retail defense, transportation defense, and general liability.
NFL Official
Ed began to work for the NFL in 1990 as a back judge after many years as a college official in the Big Sky Conference and Pac-10. He was promoted to referee in 1992 and has since been referee for Super Bowls XXXII and XXXVIII, as well as the alternate referee for Super Bowl XXXVII. He wore number 85. Ed announced his retirement from officiating in March 2018.
Popular Referee
Hochuli is probably the NFL’s most popular referee, in terms of name recognition, among both hardcore and casual football fans. A well-respected official, he is best known for his long dissertation-like explanations when announcing penalties and other calls.
Media
Ed made it onto on talk show host David Letterman’s Top Ten List. He has even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He is also known for his unusually muscular frame compared to other NFL referees, most notably his biceps. His likeness appears in the Madden NFL series of video games for the XBOX 360 video game system starting with Madden NFL 06.
The Art of Negotiation
Ed Hochuli covered two Super Bowls, seven conference championships, and over 500 NFL games. Ed on the lessons he’s learned negotiating with the Big Boys during his many years on the NFL football field, and how doing so teaches valuable lessons for negotiating in the legal world. He uses real life experience in his legal profession, as well as his constant negotiations with players and coaches during the 500+ games he has officiated in the NFL, to hone his recommendations on the best negotiation techniques in whatever field or endeavor. His presentation is based on several actual NFL video clips and many anecdotes from his years on the field. Both educational and entertaining, this is a lesson in negotiating from a perspective few have ever seen.