Philadelphia, 10/20/2025 – In a noteworthy statement following the Week 7 NFL 2025 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, legend Donovan McNabb acknowledged the role of the referees in his home team’s victory. The Eagles won narrowly 28-22 over the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, but McNabb believes the decision to cancel TJ Hockenson’s TD was a mistake, and without it, the Eagles might have lost. He publicly spoke out about the referees’ bias, emphasizing that the Vikings should have won if the replay process had been fair.

The game took place on October 19, 2025, with the Eagles led by Jalen Hurts scoring 3 TDs and 326 passing yards. The Vikings faced issues in the red zone, scoring only 1 TD in 6 attempts, leading to a 22-28 defeat. However, the controversial play in the fourth quarter changed everything: Hockenson caught the ball in the end zone, but the replay from New York canceled the TD for lack of ball control.

McNabb, the legendary former quarterback of the Eagles with 6 Pro Bowls and leading the team to Super Bowl XXXIX, shared on his personal podcast. He said:“I’m an Eagle for life, but I’ll keep it honest:

the Vikings were unfairly treated on that Hockenson touchdown, and if that call stands—as it should—we lose that game.”

The play occurred in a 3rd-and-goal situation from the 6-yard line: Carson Wentz passed to Hockenson, who dove to catch and hit the ground. The on-field referees confirmed the TD, but the replay center in New York overturned it, ruling that the ball touched the ground and it wasn’t a catch. McNabb believes this was a clear mistake, as Hockenson had his hands under the ball and controlled it through the process, according to NFL rules.

This allowed the Eagles to maintain their lead, instead of being tied at 28-28. If the TD had been upheld, the Vikings could have mounted a comeback with the extra point and overtime. McNabb emphasized that this decision “unfairly treated” the Vikings, and the Eagles were lucky to avoid defeat.

McNabb’s statement quickly spread on social media, with Vikings fans agreeing and calling it “the harsh truth.” Eagles fans countered, arguing that the replay decision was correct under the strict catch rule. Many experts on ESPN analyzed that the play was “ridiculous” but could have been biased to maintain an advantage for the Eagles.

The NFL may investigate McNabb’s statement, as former players must adhere to rules on criticizing officials. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni declined to comment directly but acknowledged the team needs to improve to avoid controversies. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell was satisfied with the team’s effort, calling the play “painful” but deserved.

This incident reignites debates about the consistency of the NFL’s catch rule, especially with replay calls. The Vikings drop to a poor record, while the Eagles strengthen their playoff position. McNabb, now a commentator, could influence public opinion, pushing the NFL to review its officiating process.

For the Vikings, this defeat demonstrates resilience despite being “unfairly treated,” as McNabb admitted. The Eagles need to improve their defense to avoid similar luck in upcoming games.

This article is based on sources from ESPN, Philadelphia Inquirer, and official NFL pages.