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The Pittsburgh Steelers called in a sacred reinforcement before Sunday’s divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, and it seemed to have worked.
Before kickoff Sunday night, a priest was seen blessing the end zone where Ravens kicker Ravens kicker Tyler Loop would eventually miss what would have been the walk-off field goal that would have sent Baltimore into the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) reacts after a missed field goal attempt in the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“This is a priest spreading holy water in that end zone,” NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico said after the game during the “Sunday Night Football” telecast.
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“The Catholic community in Pittsburgh is really strong and its ties to the Steelers are everywhere,” Tirico added with a laugh. “And down in that end zone, Tyler Loop misses the field goal and gives the Steelers the opportunity to win.”
“So it’s not Tyler Loop’s fault,” laughed Cris Collinsworth.
“As with everything in football, it’s on a higher power,” Tirico replied.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) reacts after Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) missed a field goal attempt in the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
RAVENS’ SEASON ENDS IN HEARTBREAK AS WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL GIVES STEELERS FINAL PLAYOFF PLACE
Drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Loop had a chance to win the AFC North title for the Ravens and secure their spot in the playoffs when he made a 44-yard field goal attempt.
But the rookie’s kick sailed wide just as time expired, sending the Steelers into the playoffs and ending the Ravens’ season on a heartbreaking note.
“I just want to say I’m super thankful for Baltimore — the organization, the city — just how they’ve embraced me this year. It’s been unbelievable,” Loop said, speaking to reporters in the locker room. “It’s just a shame to end up like this and I want to do better.”
Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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Loop said he wrote down a prayer before the game, which he returned to read after the missed field goal.
“Faith is a big part of my life,” he said. “It’s such a fortunate thing to be here, even to go back — just to be placed in Baltimore with this team has been the biggest blessing of my life and I’m super grateful for that.”
