Ed Hochuli is a veteran NFL referee frequently noted for his muscular physique.Sports Illustrated: Never Flagging

In Week 2 of the 2008 NFL season, Hochuli caused controversy when he blew the whistle in the final minutes of a game between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.

Based on the blown whistle, Denver was able to retain possession of the ball which would otherwise have gone to the Chargers. This call enabled the Broncos to win the game on a last minute touchdown. Hochuli's NFL "grade" will be lowered as a result of this acknowledged mistake.

As a result of Houchuli's gaffe, the league announced on September 15, 2008, that the play would be reviewed by the NFL's competition committee in the offseason.USA Today: NFL will lower Hochuli's grade after blown call

After the incident in week 2 of the 2008 - 2009 NFL season, upset fans searched the internet to find the e-mail address of Ed Hochuli.

Houchuli, an attorney for the law firm of Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, publicly lists his e-mail address as ehochuli@jshfirm.com.

As a result of the public listing of his e-mail, Houchuli has received hundreds of hate e-mails, as well as some positive encouragement. Hochuli has even made an effort to respond to as many of the e-mails as possible.

Hochuli has publicly accepted responsibility for the missed call and has apologized on several occasions. He said: I failed miserably. Although it does no good to say it, I am very, very sorry." ESPN.com: Hochuli apologizes to fans for blown call

"People deserve a response. You can rest assured that nothing anyone can say can make me feel worse than I already feel about my mistake on the fumble play."--Ed HochuliESPN.com: Hochuli apologizes to fans for blown call

"The NFLRA stands by Ed Hochuli as a 19-year veteran with multiple Super Bowl and countless playoff game experience who has the integrity and character to admit a mistake and accept the criticism that comes with it."--Tim Mills,NFLRA executive directorESPN.com: NFLRA stands by Hochuli

"That particular official gets a lot of criticism. He's a highly criticized official in the NFL."--Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys ownerCBS Sports: League: Hochuli to be downgraded, rule to be reviewed

"Ed has been an outstanding official for many years, but he will be marked down for this call. Under our evaluation system, an official's grades impact his status for potentially working the playoffs and ultimately whether or not he is retained."--Greg Aiello, NFL SpokespersonCBS Sports: League: Hochuli to be downgraded, rule to be reviewed