We’re in the midst of the playoffs, but everyone is still talking about one of the most controversial missed field goals in football during the regular season. The Ravens trailed the Steelers by 2 points, 26/24, with one play left to snatch their place in the playoffs. Feeling optimistic, Tyler Loop, the Ravens kicker, only needed to kick the field goal correctly to win. Tucker ended up missing the 44-yard field goal, giving the Steelers a spot in the playoffs. Tucker had not missed one kick this 2025-2026 football season until his last chance at the playoffs, which shocked all Ravens fans.
Tyler Loop’s kick wasn’t just famous in the football world; it also gained international traction. Shayna H. (‘28) said, “I’m not a Steelers nor a Ravens fan, let alone I don’t even watch football, but I saw many people talking about it on Tiktok, and I felt really bad for him. I hope people don’t criticize him too much.”
As a rookie replacing an NFL icon, Justin Tucker, this high-profile miss puts immense scrutiny on Loop, forcing him to constantly answer for it until he delivers a game-winner. Missing a field goal that would’ve put the Ravens in the playoffs could have potentially affected Loop’s career. Many fans may have lost trust in Loop, especially after losing a kicker like Justin Tucker.
Although this field goal didn’t directly affect his career, it did for other Ravens coaches. According to journalist Geitheim, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti fired John Harbaugh because the Ravens did not make it to the playoffs.
After Tyler Loops’ crucial missed field goal, Steelers fans went out of their way to support Loops’ charity by organizing a massive donation for the Mulholland Family Foundation, raising thousands of dollars, (CBS News). This was a way to counteract the negative publicity Loop received for his missed field goal.
David Grinberg, the writer’s father and a passionate Steelers fan, says, “As much as I hate the Ravens, seeing the criticism put on Loop made me realize that he’s still human and a mistake is a mistake.”
Not only was there support from fans, but also on-field encouragement by Steelers players like Chris Boswell, the Steelers’ kicker. According to Steelers Now, Boswell revealed what he said to the rookie kicker at his lowest moment: “When we fail, it’s in the public eye for everybody to see. I just wanted to run over to him and let him know, a kick is a kick. Got to move past it,” Boswell said.
Ravens fans then joined the effort, donating $30 to signify Loop’s total of made field goals this season and $33 for his jersey number.
Although there was a lot of support for Loop, there also came a lot of negativity towards Tyler’s missed kick. Heavy Sports reports that Tyler “became the target of heavy criticism online.” Comments like “1 job” and “Lamar gave you a field position, and you end the game like that?” were spread all across social media. Some comments went to the extreme, telling Loop to “kill himself.”
Kobe R. (28), a big Ravens fan, says, “It ruined [his] night” and thinks the Ravens should “replace him.”
In the past, there have been similar situations of football teams supporting one another. In 2024, when the Bills went against the Chiefs, Bills kicker Tyler Bass missed a 44-yard kick, causing the Bills to lose the divisional round. According to Getzenberg, Bass did receive some negative comments online, but ultimately, Bills and Chiefs fans came together and donated in increments of 22, since that is Bass’s jersey number. Fans donated to the Ten Lives Club, a non-profit cat adoption group. Bass reportedly received over $270,000 in donations.
While many people conveyed criticism toward Loop, others showed their support through positive messages and charitable donations. Ultimately, Tyler Loop’s missed field goal reminded two heated rivals that sports can still bring people together in moments of judgment and pressure.
