"What is this, a preseason game?": NFL fans rip Netflix for mid-game Emmitt Smith interview in Cowboys vs. Commanders Christmas special

Netflix interrupted the Washington Commanders-Dallas Cowboys game on Thursday to broadcast an interview with legendary running back Emmitt Smith. The three-time Super Bowl champion discussed various topics while the game was reduced to a small picture-in-picture display. The viewers also faced audio glitches.

The timing of the interview did not sit well with fans.

"Is now really the time to be interviewing Emmit Smith and cutting away to a full screen shot of his living room? What is this, a preseason game?" one fan said.

Marcus Whitman

@TFG_Football

Is now really the time to be interviewing Emmit Smith and cutting away to a full screen shot of his living room? What is this, a preseason game?

"How much do ya think Emmitt Smith is charging Netflix for them to bother him on Christmas morning to talk about his former team that’s NOT going to the playoffs? 🤪," a fan commented.

"Instead of calling a game we’re interviewing Emmitt Smith mid game lol Netflix is a joke," another fan commented.

"why are we watching a 10 minute discussion with Emmitt Smith like it’s a preseason game? Oh," one fan wrote.

Here are more fan reactions.

"Having Emmitt Smith on a zoom call instead of commentating on the actual game is insufferable. Do better @netflix," one fan tweeted.

"Emmit Smith doing a 5 part interview in the middle of the game is absolute lunacy @netflix," a fan said.

"Emmit smith shitty zoom link interview during this entire drive is insane @netflix this sucks," another fan tweeted.

The Cowboys (6-8) and the Commanders (4-11) have been eliminated from the playoff race. Dallas won't be able to catch the NFC East leaders, the Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), or reach the postseason via the wild-card route. Washington, meanwhile, has struggled in the absence of Jayden Daniels for most of the campaign.

Cowboys looking to snap losing streak in Week 17

The Dallas Cowboys entered Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders on a three-game losing streak. However, they made a fast start, with Dak Prescott connecting with Jake Ferguson for a 6-yard touchdown. Washington responded with a field goal.

Javonte Williams rushed for a 4-yard TD before KaVontae Turpin ran down the field for an 86-yard score to give Dallas a 21-3 lead. Jacory Croskey-Merritt sprinted for the Commanders' first touchdown to reduce the deficit to 11 points.