Overview
- Rookie Tyler Loop pushed a 44-yard kick wide right as time expired, sealing Pittsburgh’s 26–24 win and the AFC North title after Chris Boswell had missed an extra point.
- Loop said the operation was clean but he “hit it thin,” causing the ball to spin and drift right, despite entering the game perfect inside 50 yards.
- Online reaction to Loop included waves of abuse and reported death threats, but fans also rallied with hundreds of donations to his favored John S. Mulholland Family Foundation and more than 8,000 website visits within 48 hours.
- Viral clips framed the moment, including NBC-aired footage of a priest blessing the Acrisure Stadium end zone and an NFL Films segment of Mike Tomlin warning his defense not to let the game come down to a kick.
- After ESPN reported Baltimore had parted ways with Harbaugh, Tomlin voiced respect for his longtime rival on The Rich Eisen Show as the Steelers prepare to host Houston, even as media continue to discuss Tomlin’s longer-term future and potential TV interest as conjecture.