The Steelers Had An Unexpected Game-Saving Play That Nearly Never Happened

The Pittsburgh Steelers played in a few of the most electric games throughout the 2025 season. One of which was dubbed as the "Icy Hot Bowl," as Pittsburgh played against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. The game featured both Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco turning back the clock and the game was an absolute shootout that the Bengals wound up winning. Another game that had a similar vibe came in Week 18 as the Steelers were able to beat the Baltimore Ravens for the second time during the 2025 season. This game had more to it, as the winner would move on to the playoffs and the loser's season came to a close.

The Week 18 matchup against Baltimore secured Pittsburgh a trip to the postseason, and it also delivered the Steelers the AFC North crown for the first time since the end of the 2020 season. Everyone remembers the missed field goal from Tyler Loop to win the game for Pittsburgh, and both offenses were exploding in the second half. It was hard for either defense to get a stop, but the Steelers were able to get a few and force some punts. One punt came after Logan Lee knocked down a screen pass that was supposed to go to running back Derrick Henry on second and 16. He had a bunch of open space in front of him, but Lee was able to get his paws on the football.

The young defensive lineman spoke about this play on a recent episode of Off The Air With Matt Randazzo, and he shared that he wasn't even supposed to be on the field in that moment.

"The last regular season game of the year, I had one play the entire game," Lee said. "The game was against the Ravens, whoever won made it to the playoffs. I had a play, I wasn't even supposed to go in, I just ran onto the field and ended up tipping up the ball on what was going to be a screen play to Derrick Henry, who had at least 10 yards of open space. Was able to knock that down, that was a really big play, and it was the only one."

Lee has had a rough start to his NFL career as he missed his entire rookie season in 2024, but his play against Baltimore was a big one. Some fans might forget it, but it helped stall a Ravens drive at the end of the third quarter, and Baltimore eventually had to punt.

Both offenses put up more points throughout the rest of the game, but the game ultimately came down to just one field goal. Loop had a chance to send the Ravens to the playoffs by kicking it through the uprights, but he was unable to do so and the Steelers wound up winning. Lee spoke more about his play, and he shared what his coach had to say when he got back to the sideline.

"One of our players just kind of gave the tap on the head, and that's like, 'I need a break,'" Lee said. "The moment he did it, I just ran on the field. It was kind of a little bit of a hurry-up situation, so I didn't look back. Usually if you look back someone's like waving you back to get off of the field. When I got back to the sideline, I was like, 'Sorry I ran on the field.' He said, 'I effing love it!'"

Lee was referring to an encounter he had with his former defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. Lee thought he might be mad at him for running out onto the field without being told to, but Dunbar loved what he saw from his young player. It also helps out that Lee made a big play.

Steelers' Logan Lee Set To Prove Himself In 2026

Lee started his professional career a little behind after being on injured reserve for his entire rookie season in 2024. He then was a healthy scratch sometimes in 2025 and only played in seven games on the year. That means 2026 is a big year for him, especially with a new coaching staff coming in. He is going to have to make a good first impression on the new coaches while also making some plays in training camp. He isn't just fighting to find a role on the defensive front, he will be fighting for a roster spot.

What do you think about this story from Lee? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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