Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph lived into the best NFL joke of the holiday season on Saturday.
He played arguably the best game of his professional career Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 34-11 victory to keep Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive. And everyone noticed the timing of this big win and the holiday season we’re in.
Of course, Rudolph is the quarterback’s last name and the reindeer hero of the classic Christmas special who guides Santa’s sleigh in the foggy night with his big, red nose to go down in history for rescuing the holiday.
Just like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer saved the day, Rudolph the quarterback guided the Steelers on Christmas weekend to a season-saving victory over a division rival.
Heck, even Santa showed up to the game and noticed the coincidence.
You'll go down in history 🎶🎅 pic.twitter.com/nD6rst7SHJ
— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
The Steelers noticed it, too, as Acrisure Stadium played the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” over the speakers after the big win.
Yes, they are playing Rudolph the red nose reindeer pic.twitter.com/9P0f1iCt7C
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) December 24, 2023
NFL fans got in on the fun as well with plenty of Rudolph/Christmas jokes.