When Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired on Sunday night, handing the Pittsburgh Steelers a playoff spot, he became the target of harsh online criticism from disappointed fans. But what happened next shows the beautiful side of sports fandom that rarely makes headlines.

Steelers fans, rather than celebrating at Loop's expense, decided to show their support in the most meaningful way possible. They began donating $26.24 to the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation, Loop's favorite charity, with the amount reflecting the 26-24 final score. The small Washington, D.C. based foundation focuses on feeding hungry families through 11 food pantries in the nation's capital.

The gesture quickly caught fire across social media, and soon Ravens fans joined in with donations of their own. They contributed $30 to represent Loop's total made field goals this season and $33 for his jersey number. The result has been nothing short of remarkable.

In just three days, the foundation received more than $42,000 in donations. To put that in perspective, the organization raised $195,612 in all of 2024, meaning this spontaneous campaign brought in 21 percent of last year's total in just 72 hours.

Emily Householder-Stacey, a Steelers fan from Canton, Ohio, sparked the donation campaign after discovering a Facebook post about Loop's charity work. She spread the word on Reddit, and the response exceeded her wildest dreams. "They say everybody gets 15 minutes of fame, and I can't think of a better use of mine than raising a lot of money to feed hungry people," she shared. The timing proved especially meaningful for Householder-Stacey, as her family had just lost a loved one. "This has been a kind of a light in a dark time," she said.

Brian Mulholland, board chairman of the foundation, expressed his gratitude in a video posted to the charity's website. "I want to thank the fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, and all of the people who have been so generous in showing acts of kindness for Tyler Loop and for the people we serve, the food insecure of Washington, D.C.," he said. "It's been a remarkable journey with you."

The Ripple Effect

This spontaneous outpouring of generosity demonstrates how sports can bring out the best in people, even amid fierce rivalries. What started as a simple act of kindness has transformed into a movement that will help feed hundreds of families in Washington, D.C. The foundation reached out to Householder-Stacey with a beautiful message: "Thank you; one of the better accidents of the internet, to be sure, which brought out some goodness in people hidden in today's acrimonious bubble."

The story serves as a powerful reminder that compassion can emerge from unexpected places, and that rival fans can unite for something far more important than any game. As donations continue to pour in, Tyler Loop's missed field goal may end up being remembered not for a playoff loss, but for the incredible act of generosity it inspired.