ST.Vikings TE TJ Hockenson Blasts New York Review Team Over Late TD Overturned, Says It Cost Them in an Eagles Heartbreaker
Minnesota, October 20, 2025 — In a dramatic Week 7 matchup of the 2025 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings fell 22–28 to the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Yet the headline wasn’t the final score but a late, controversial sequence in which tight end (TE) TJ Hockenson had a potential touchdown (TD) overturned by the New York replay center. Hockenson didn’t hide his frustration, publicly criticizing the NFL’s replay process and calling it “ridiculous.”
The game, played on October 19, 2025, saw Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts deliver a stellar performance with 3 TDs and 326 passing yards. The Vikings, led by Carson Wentz, struggled badly in the red zone, converting just one touchdown on six trips. The Eagles ultimately won 28–22, but the pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter as Minnesota attempted a late rally.
Facing 3rd-and-goal from the 6-yard line, Wentz fired into the end zone to Hockenson, who dove to secure the ball and hit the turf. On-field officials initially ruled it a touchdown, which would have tied the game at 28–28 with the extra point. However, after review from the New York replay center, the call was overturned: officials ruled it was not a catch, citing the ball contacting the ground and a lack of full control. The Vikings settled for a field goal, and the Eagles held on for the win.
A visibly dejected Hockenson told reporters afterward: “I don’t obviously understand the catch rule at this point… They’ve gotta figure it out. New York can’t call in and say that it’s not a catch when every other ref out there says it is… It’s just crazy, this whole thing.” He insisted he maintained control with his hand under the ball and saw “nothing to overturn.”
The moment instantly ignited debate across social media and NFL forums. Vikings fans called the decision “biased” and claimed it directly affected the outcome, while Eagles supporters defended the replay ruling, pointing to the league’s stringent catch standard: control must be maintained through the ground without the ball moving. Several analysts, including at ESPN, labeled the sequence “ridiculous” yet acknowledged the reversal aligned with the letter of the catch rule.
#Vikings TE TJ Hockenson said “there was nothing to overturn” his late TD, and the refs on the field told him that it would stand, but the review team changed it in New York:
“I don’t obviously understand the catch rule at this point… They’ve gotta figure it out. New York can’t… pic.twitter.com/XvwRpKFFGq — VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 19, 2025
Hockenson could face league discipline for publicly criticizing officiating, consistent with prior fines for similar remarks. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell noted his offense must improve red-zone efficiency but admitted the overturn was “painful.”
The incident rekindles long-standing complaints about the NFL’s catch rule—often criticized as complex and inconsistent. Hockenson, who posted 5 receptions for 68 yards in the game while working back from injury, may feel the emotional sting as the Vikings prepare for their next stretch.
For the Eagles, the win halts their skid and strengthens their playoff positioning. For Minnesota, the bitter loss underscores the need to execute better on decisive, late-game possessions.
This article draws on reporting from ESPN, the Star Tribune, and official NFL outlets.
Eagles WR A.J. Brown Speaks Out on Video Alleging His Celebration Targets Jalen Hurts During Vikings Game – “That Can’t Happen”
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – October 21, 2025 – After the Philadelphia Eagles’ 28-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, a video of A.J. Brown’s celebration quickly spread on X. The clip from account @DaKidGowie received millions of views, sparking debates about his expression.
In the 19-second video, Brown scores his second touchdown in the fourth quarter, putting the Eagles ahead 21-19. After the play, he stands up with a strong expression, seemingly saying something.
Many X users used lip-reading to speculate that Brown was criticizing Jalen Hurts. They claimed he yelled: “This when you throw me the fkin’ ball! WTF is that?! Just throw the f
kin’ ball!”
The NFL community is divided, with one side calling Brown a “locker room cancer” and comparing it to the Owens-McNabb drama. The other side defends him, saying lip-reading is inaccurate and it’s just adrenaline.
In an ESPN interview this morning, A.J. Brown denied the allegations and emphasized his relationship with Hurts. “That can’t happen,” Brown said, “Jalen Hurts and I have a great bond like brothers, we always support each other on the field. And as you’ve seen, 2 TDs are more than enough to prove our connection – it’s the result of trust and perfect coordination.”
Brown explained that the video shows him talking to himself to stay focused, not targeting anyone. He doesn’t want speculation to affect the team’s morale.
A.J. Brown after scoring his 2nd touchdown today:
“This when you throw me the f**kin’ ball! WTF is that?! Just throw the f**kin’ ball!” 👀pic.twitter.com/zVVIYxoXlg — GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) October 19, 2025
Head coach Nick Sirianni supported Brown, praising his performance with 121 yards and two touchdowns. He said this demonstrates Brown’s important role in the Eagles.
The Eagles are regaining form with a 4-2 record in the NFC East after a slow start. The win over the Vikings is a turning point, with Hurts and Brown coordinating well.
Experts like Adam Schefter call this a “storm in a teacup” amplified by social media. Fans hope the Eagles focus on the upcoming Cowboys game.
With Brown’s denial, the drama may end quickly. Only time will tell if baseless speculation continues.
