Pittsburgh Steelers fans were surely lifting their prayers when the Baltimore Ravens lined up for a game-winning field goal Sunday night that would've ended the Steelers' season.
And while there's no evidence of the Almighty being a Steelers fan, Tyler Loop's kick did sail wide right. Those faithful Yinzers might have a priest to thank, too.
The NBC broadcast of Sunday Night Football showed some fascinating pregame footage: A local priest walked behind one end zone and sprinkled holy water on it.
And yep, that's the direction Loop was kicking.
The Steelers had a priest bless the field with holy water pregame
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 5, 2026
The blessing took place in the exact same endzone that the Ravens missed the kick
pic.twitter.com/adY06QgB0U
MORE: Why Browns' nightmare QB history doomed Kevin Stefanski
Now, of course, this had nothing to do with the kick. Ravens fans were surely praying, too.
But it is a fascinating look at sports fandom.
Fan is short for fanatic, after all.
And here was a priest making sure to bless the field before the Steelers played a game that would either continue or end their season.
MORE: Travis Kelce's potential last game before retirement was an absolute bummer
Hey, whatever works, right?
There might be better uses for that holy water, though. Just a thought.
More NFL news:
- Trevon Diggs got off to a bad start with the Packers
- Packers needed a literal tie-breaker to make the playoffs
- Harrison Smith nearly played QB before his retirement decision
- Myles Garrett's Browns teammate high-fived the ref after record
- Falcons would've gone to the playoffs if not for the New York Jets
- The Colts ran a fake punt on first down