NFL assigns Shawn Hochuli to referee Packers and Vikings season opener

The NFL has assigned Shawn Hochuli to serve as the referee for the Green Bay Packers' season-opening game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. Hochuli’s officiating crews have maintained a high volume of penalties, ranking among the league's top four in flags thrown per game over the last two consecutive seasons. During the 2025 campaign, Hochuli’s crew rarely recorded fewer than double-digit penalties in a single contest. Data from last season indicates that his team frequently flagged neutral zone infractions, illegal blocks above the waist, intentional grounding, and defensive holding penalties at rates higher than the league average. While the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings ranked 14th and 16th respectively in total penalties last year, officials expect a high penalty count for this matchup. The game is scheduled to take place next Sunday as part of the league’s Week 1 slate.

• 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Referee announced for Packers’ Week 1 matchup vs. Vikings