NFL officials did NOT blow the critical interception call during overtime of the Bills vs. Broncos game — it was called correctly, full stop — according to Dean Blandino, the league’s former head of officiating.

“The Cooks’ play I thought, ultimately, they got it right,” Blandino, FOX Sports rules analyst and former Vice President of Officiating (2013-2017) told TMZ Sports.

Dean explained why, saying … “Cooks’ is going to the ground. He’s gotta hold onto the ball when he lands. I thought the ball came loose immediately, McMillian ended up with it.”

Of course, Blandino’s referring to the 3-and-11 catch vs. interception play, one of the most pivotal moments in the entire game … with the Josh Allen deepball ending up in Ja’Quan McMillian‘s hands near the Broncos 36 yard line.

The play was ruled an interception … and instead of the Bills being in position to attempt a potential game-winning field goal, it was Broncos ball. They ultimately went down the field and kicked a FG of their own, advancing to the AFC Championship game, leaving many furious.

Blandino had a reminder for some of those fans who are critical of the refs — the job is difficult!

We want you to be a part of TMZ, so every weekday, between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM PT, we take you inside our newsroom via live stream.

You never know what you’re gonna get … a big story that breaks, an argument erupts in the room, or someone’s just joking around.

Your comments are a big part of the stream, and the staff spends a lot of time speaking directly to you. Every day is different!

Mickey Rourke has some strong words for a person who worked for him following his recent eviction drama … alleging a female employee set up a fundraiser in Mickey’s name for her own gain!

We caught up with Mickey out exercising in L.A. over the weekend, asking “The Wrestler” actor about the six-digit sum of money raised through GoFundMe … which he’s said he wants no part of.

Mickey says … “It was all a scam. That whole thing about the money was something that somebody who worked for me did to try and keep money for herself.”

After Mickey emphatically rejected the $100K raised, a GoFundMe spox told us last week donation refunds were issued January 14, and donors will get 100 percent of their contributions back.

As for his dog Ivan, who recently had a major health scare, Mickey tells us, crisis averted!

As we reported … Mickey’s longtime dog Ivan was suffering from heart disease and needed an operation. We were told the procedure would cost at least $10K, which could have been more than Mickey could afford.

Check out the full video … Mickey tells us “it’s already paid for. He’s doing all right. He’s gonna hold up.”