This is what the Philadelphia Eagles will do after witnessing what the Pittsburgh priest accomplished for the upcoming playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field and why the team did so. Can the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl consecutively?

In the high-stakes world of the NFL playoffs, where every edge counts, teams often turn to unconventional methods to secure victory. The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl win last season, are no strangers to embracing traditions and superstitions that rally fans and players alike.
As they prepare for their NFC Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on January 11, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles have decided to incorporate a spiritual element into their pre-game routine.
Inspired by the recent viral success of a Pittsburgh priest who blessed the Steelers’ field before their division-clinching win, the Eagles plan to invite a local Philadelphia clergy member to perform a similar blessing on their home turf.
This move comes as the team seeks to harness every possible advantage in their quest to defend their title and potentially become the first team in nearly two decades to win consecutive Super Bowls.

The story that sparked this decision unfolded just days ago in Pittsburgh. Father Maximilian Maxwell, a former teacher and now a viral sensation, sprinkled holy water across the end zones at Acrisure Stadium prior to the Steelers’ crucial game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 5, 2026.
The Steelers, fighting for the AFC North crown, emerged victorious in a nail-biter, 26-24, after Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning field goal in the final seconds. Social media exploded with footage of the blessing, with fans and commentators alike crediting divine intervention for the outcome.
Father Maxwell, in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, downplayed his role but acknowledged the power of faith in sports, noting how such rituals can unite communities and boost morale.
The video garnered millions of views, with Reddit threads buzzing about the “holy water effect” and how it seemingly cursed the opposing team’s kicker.
For the Steelers, who finished the regular season at 10-7, this win secured their playoff spot and division title, turning a routine pre-game act into a symbol of triumph.

Witnessing this from afar, the Eagles’ organization saw an opportunity to tap into similar energy. Sources close to the team indicate that head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman discussed the idea during a strategy session earlier this week.
By January 8, plans were in motion to reach out to a Philadelphia-based priest—potentially from one of the city’s historic Catholic parishes, such as St. Patrick’s or the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul—to conduct a blessing ceremony on the field before kickoff against the 49ers.
This isn’t entirely new territory for the Eagles; the team has a history of incorporating faith-based elements, with players like quarterback Jalen Hurts openly discussing his Christian beliefs and how they fuel his performance.
But this specific act marks a direct response to the Pittsburgh event, aiming to create a home-field aura of invincibility.
Why would a powerhouse like the Eagles, who boast one of the league’s top defenses and a dynamic offense, resort to such a ritual? The answer lies in the psychology of sports and the razor-thin margins of playoff football.
Superstitions have long been a staple in the NFL—from players wearing the same socks for winning streaks to teams avoiding certain hotels on road trips. In this case, the Steelers’ win provided tangible “proof” that a blessing could tip the scales.
Eagles players, many of whom follow the league closely, shared the viral clips in their group chats, joking about needing their own “holy advantage.” More seriously, team insiders suggest it’s about fostering unity and fan engagement.
Philadelphia’s passionate fanbase, known for its rowdy tailgates and “Fly Eagles Fly” chants, thrives on narratives that blend grit with mysticism.
By inviting a priest, the Eagles aim to galvanize the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field, turning the stadium into a fortress where even the winds seem to favor the home team.
The game against the 49ers, set for 4:30 PM ET on FOX, is expected to draw a massive crowd, with tickets already selling out rapidly on platforms like Ticketmaster.
Beyond the immediate playoff implications, this decision underscores the Eagles’ broader ambition: repeating as Super Bowl champions. Last February, in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome, the Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in a rematch of their 2023 loss.
Led by a ferocious defense featuring standouts like Josh Sweat and Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia stifled Patrick Mahomes and denied the Chiefs a three-peat. It was a redemption story for the ages, with Hurts throwing for over 300 yards and the team racking up four sacks.
Now, entering the 2025-26 playoffs as the NFC’s No. 3 seed with an 11-6 record, the Eagles are positioned to make history.
No team has won back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2003-04, but oddsmakers give Philadelphia a fighting chance, with futures odds hovering around +900 to +950, implying about a 9-10% probability of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy again in Super Bowl LX.
Can the Eagles pull it off? Their path won’t be easy. The 49ers, despite a turbulent season, remain a formidable opponent with quarterback Brock Purdy’s precision passing and a defense anchored by Nick Bosa. San Francisco’s run game, led by Christian McCaffrey, could exploit any weaknesses in Philly’s front seven.
If the Eagles advance, potential divisional round foes like the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks loom, both boasting high-powered offenses that top the Super Bowl odds boards at +425 and +400, respectively. Yet, Philadelphia’s strengths are undeniable.
Their defense ranks among the league’s best in EPA (expected points added) allowed, and the offense, bolstered by Saquon Barkley’s rushing prowess and A.J. Brown’s receiving yards, has shown it can dominate in big moments.
Hurts, who has matured into an MVP-caliber leader, credits the team’s resilience to a blend of preparation and faith—echoing the very ritual they’re now adopting.
Critics might dismiss the priest blessing as mere gimmickry, but in a league where momentum can swing on a single play, such intangibles matter. The Steelers’ recent success serves as a blueprint: after their blessing, they not only won but ignited a citywide buzz that carried them into the postseason.
For the Eagles, this could do the same, especially in a city like Philadelphia, where sports and spirituality often intersect. Fans remember the “Philly Special” from their 2018 Super Bowl run, a bold trick play that became legendary. Now, a “Philly Blessing” might join that lore.
As kickoff approaches, the question lingers: Can the Eagles win consecutively? Analysts like those at NFL.com and PFF point to their dominant defense as the key, giving them a solid shot despite tougher NFC competition this year. With a 100% playoff berth locked in and a home-field start, they’re well-positioned.
But repeating requires perfection—flawless execution, injury avoidance, and perhaps a touch of luck. Or, as some might say, a sprinkle of holy water. Whether this ritual becomes a turning point or just a footnote, it highlights the human element in sports: the search for belief in the face of uncertainty.
For Eagles fans packing Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday, that belief could be the difference between another ring and an early exit. The road to Super Bowl LX in February 2026 starts here, and Philadelphia is ready to fly high once more.