NFL Referee Adrian Hill Exits Bills-Texans Game Due to Non-Contact Injury

HOUSTON — November 20, 2025 — NFL referee Adrian Hill was forced to leave the Thursday night game between the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills after suffering a non-contact injury, officials said.

The incident occurred during the first half of the game at NRG Stadium when Hill appeared to experience discomfort while officiating but did not collide with any players or equipment. According to authorities, the injury was not the result of any physical contact on the field.

Hill was immediately assisted by medical personnel and was unable to continue officiating the remainder of the game. The NFL deployed an alternate official to replace him and maintain the officiating crew’s full complement.

No further details about the nature or severity of Hill’s injury were provided by league representatives. The NFL has not announced whether Hill will require additional medical evaluation or how this might affect his officiating schedule in the coming weeks.

The game itself proceeded without further incident related to the officiating staff. Both teams continued their contest under the supervision of the replacement official and the rest of the crew.

Adrian Hill has been an NFL official since 2012 and has worked multiple playoff games during his career. His departure marked a rare instance of an official exiting a game due to injury, particularly one unrelated to contact.

Officials emphasized that player and staff safety remains a priority for the league, including the health and well-being of referees and other game personnel. The NFL regularly reviews protocols to address injuries and ensure prompt medical attention when necessary.

The Texans and Bills matchup drew significant attention as part of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football schedule, with both teams vying for playoff positioning late in the season. The unexpected loss of an official added an unusual element to the game’s proceedings but did not impact the overall flow or outcome.

Further updates on Hill’s condition and any potential impact on future games are expected as the league continues to monitor the situation.