When a missed field goal by the Baltimore Ravens secured a crucial Week 18 victory and a playoff berth for the
For Father Max, the sudden surge of attention was unexpected and overwhelming. As the prior of the Benedictine monastery, he found himself fielding interview requests from news outlets and even TMZ. While the viral clip suggested a supernatural connection to the game's outcome, the clergy at Saint Vincent Archabbey—a community with deep historical ties to the Steelers—are quick to dismiss the notion that their prayers influenced the score. They maintain that the ritual is a long-standing tradition focused on the well-being of the athletes rather than competitive outcomes.
A Tradition Rooted in Hospitality
The practice of blessing the field is not a new phenomenon for the Steelers. The tradition dates back to the days of Three Rivers Stadium and has continued at both the team's training camp at Saint Vincent College and at their home stadium. Father Paul Taylor, president of Saint Vincent College, explains that the blessing is performed whenever new turf is installed. The ritual is intended to be a quiet, behind-the-scenes act of ministry, focusing on the health, safety, and protection of all players on the field, regardless of their team affiliation.
The connection between the monastery and the NFL franchise spans decades, beginning with the Rooney family's long-standing relationship with the college. Since 1966, the Steelers have held their training camp at Saint Vincent, and the monks have frequently supported the organization through various ministries, including offering Mass. For the priests, these actions are an extension of the Benedictine commitment to hospitality and friendship, rather than an attempt to sway the results of a professional football game.
Separating Faith from Superstition
Despite the lighthearted speculation from players like Aaron Rodgers and Cameron Heyward—who joked about God’s potential allegiance to the Steelers—the clergy are adamant about separating their faith from sports superstition. Father Max emphasizes that the blessing is a sacramental act meant to provide peace of mind and honor the sanctity of the sport. He notes that the prayer is offered for the safety of everyone involved, including coaches and support staff, and is performed long before kickoff to avoid drawing attention.
As the team prepares for future games, the priests remain focused on their role as members of the community rather than as participants in the competitive nature of the NFL. While the viral moment brought a brief, intense spotlight to their quiet tradition, Father Max and Father Paul view it as an opportunity to clarify the purpose of their ministry. For them, the black and gold attire worn by Father Max on game days is a sign of his support for the team he has grown to love, but the blessing remains a sincere, non-partisan prayer for the safety of the players on the field.
