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The Pittsburgh Steelers called in a backup before Sunday’s divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, and it appears to have worked.
Before kickoff Sunday night, a priest was seen blessing the end zone where Ravens kicker Tyler Loop would end up missing the potential field goal that would have sent Baltimore to 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 match took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“That’s a priest spreading holy water in that end zone,” NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico said after the game on “Sunday Night Football.”
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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 in that end zone, Tyler Loop misses the field goal and gives the Steelers the win.”
“So it’s not Tyler Loop’s fault,” Cris Collinsworth laughed.
“As with everything in football, it’s up to a higher power,” Tirico responded.
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 A HEART AS MISSED FIELD GOAL GIVES STEELERS A FINAL PLAYOFF PLACE
Loop, who was drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, had a chance to clinch the AFC North title for the Ravens and secure their playoff spot when he lined up for the 44-yard field goal attempt.
But the rookie’s kick went 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 very grateful to Baltimore – the organization, the city – for the way they’ve welcomed me this year. It’s been incredible,” Loop said, speaking to reporters in the locker room. “For it to end like this really sucks, and I want to do better.”
Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during 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 a prayer before the game, which he came back to read after the missed field goal.
“Faith is a big part of my life,” he said. “It’s such a blessing to be here, even to come back. Just being placed in Baltimore with this team has been the greatest blessing of my life, and I’m so grateful.”
