Pittsburgh Steelers fans were feeling festive during their team’s Saturday win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Steelers pummeled the Bengals 34-11 to keep their playoff hopes alive a day before Christmas Eve in Pittsburgh, Penn.
One man, quarterback Mason Rudolph, captivated spectators enough to have the entire Acrisure Stadium crowd singing and chanting in unison.
Their song of choice? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
The Acrisure Stadium crowd singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Christmas Eve Eve during the Mason Rudolph game is just poetic. pic.twitter.com/FL5RTfq61z
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) December 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/matthewluciow92/status/1738719211818475652
Rudolph (the player, not the reindeer) made his first start of the season Saturday ahead of Mitchell Trubisky. The Oklahoma State alum repaid coach Mike Tomlin’s trust by leading the Steelers to their 8th win of the season.
Rudolph went 17/27 for 290 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also put his body on the line with a strong 7-yard carry on 3rd-and-6 midway through the second quarter. The extended drive resulted in the Steelers’ third touchdown of the game, which gave them a 21-0 lead.
My God has Mason Rudolph been QB1 this whole time!!!!#Steelers score on the next play with a Najee Harris run!
Steelers 21 #Bengals 0
7:06 left in the 2nd.#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/mrKY1FWRuf
— Obviously (Not) Tomlin (@Tomlin_Sense) December 23, 2023
Rudolph may finally be invited to join the reindeer games after his display of moxie.
Kudos to the Acrisure Stadium staff for finding a clever opportunity to drum up some holiday spirit from the home fans.
But Rudolph deserves most of the credit for giving Steelers fans the Christmas gift they were probably hoping for — a win.
