The Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, but head coach John Harbaugh had an important message to share before discussing the team’s success on the field.
Speaking to reporters after the 34-17 win, Harbaugh began with something he said was “important” to him and many people around the world. And that was acknowledging that Spirit of Christmas.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws from the pocket against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
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“I read this to the team in our prayer after the game and it is this – this is Mary. Mary, Mother of God, said this when she was with Elizabeth. She said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God.’ ‘My savior.’ So I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and rejoice,” he said.
“Rejoice. Have joy in life. Rejoice in your circumstances. Enjoy the tough games. Enjoy the defeats. Rejoice in the victories, just as we are fortunate as a football team today, and just be happy for the people you love.” The people who are close to you are happy. We are not here on this earth to worry about every little thing. We are here to rejoice in each other and with each other. Let’s try to remember that this is a big football week – it’s also a big spiritual week.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks to reporters after the Pittsburgh Steelers game Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Ravens will return to play in a short week Houston Texans on Christmas day.
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The game comes after a big win over division rival Pittsburgh, which could have meant the Steelers could clinch the division title with a win. Instead, the Steelers and Ravens are now deadlocked.
“I feel like we’ve worked hard all season, we’ve had ups and downs all season, but to win a playoff against such a great team is great,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “It means we are moving in the right direction.”
Jackson improved to 2-4 as a starter against the Steelers and recorded his NFL-leading 37th touchdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson scored at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
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The Steelers will also play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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