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The Pittsburgh Steelers asked for reinforcements ahead of Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and it seemed to work.
Before kickoff Sunday night, a priest was seen blessing the end zone where Ravens kicker Tyler Loop would eventually miss 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 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 broadcast of “Sunday Night Football.”
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“The Catholic community in Pittsburgh is really strong and their ties to the Steelers are everywhere,” Tirico added with a laugh. “And in that end zone, Tyler Loop misses the field goal and allows the Steelers to win.”
“So it’s not Tyler Loop’s fault,” Cris Collinsworth laughed.
“Like everything in football, it’s in 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 WITH REST AS MISSED FIELD GOAL GIVES STEELERS FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT
Loop, who was selected 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 clinch their playoff berth 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 to the playoffs and ending the Ravens’ season on a heartbreaking note.
“I just want to say that I’m very grateful to Baltimore – the organization, the city – for how they’ve embraced me this year. It’s been incredible,” Loop said, speaking to reporters in the locker room. “For this to end like this 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 reread after the missed field goal.
“Faith is a big part of my life,” he said. “It’s very fortunate to be here, even to be back; just being in Baltimore with this team has been the greatest blessing of my life and I’m very grateful for it.”
