British NFL fans were left bewildered and frustrated during Monday night's thrilling encounter between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants when one of the game's most iconic moments vanished from their screens.
The controversy erupted when legendary broadcaster Al Michaels, calling his final season of Thursday Night Football for Amazon Prime, delivered what many are calling an instant-classic commentary moment during Saquon Barkley's spectacular 17-yard touchdown run.
The Missing Magic Moment
As Barkley sliced through the Eagles' defence, Michaels unleashed his trademark call: "He's got getting away from the cops speed!" - a line that immediately went viral across American sports networks and social media platforms.
However, UK viewers watching through DAZN's NFL Game Pass International were met with baffling silence. The international feed had switched to a different commentary team at precisely the wrong moment, completely missing Michaels' unforgettable delivery.
Social Media Erupts in Protest
British NFL enthusiasts took to social media platforms in droves to express their disappointment and confusion:
- "Absolutely gutted we didn't get to hear Al's legendary call live"
- "What's the point of paying for premium sports coverage if we miss moments like this?"
- Multiple fans described the situation as "a complete disgrace" to broadcasting
A Pattern of Production Problems
This incident isn't an isolated occurrence. The DAZN NFL Game Pass International service has faced mounting criticism from British subscribers throughout the season for various production issues, including:
- Inconsistent audio quality during crucial game moments
- Unexplained switching between commentary teams
- Technical glitches during peak viewing periods
Many fans are now questioning whether the premium subscription cost provides adequate value given these recurring problems with the international broadcast feed.
The Legacy of a Broadcasting Legend
Al Michaels, whose career spans nearly five decades, is renowned for some of sports broadcasting's most memorable calls, including the "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" moment from the 1980 Winter Olympics. The missed opportunity to hear what might be one of his final iconic calls has particularly stung British NFL purists who appreciate broadcasting history.
As the NFL continues to grow its international audience, incidents like this raise important questions about how well the league serves its passionate fanbase outside the United States.
