Ravens kicker Tyler Loop and his fiancée, Julia Otto, faced a wave of online abuse following his missed 44-yard field goal that clinched a 26-24 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, knocking Baltimore out of playoff contention and handing the AFC North title to their rivals.
Some comments took it too far, targeting the couple directly on their joint Instagram post celebrating their recent engagement.
“Hope you get divorced,” one user cruelly commented.
“Still have time to cancel the wedding,” another added, showing a complete lack of empathy.
Many suggested Loop, who stepped in as a rookie to replace veteran Justin Tucker, should consider leaving the Ravens altogether. Meanwhile, some users posted GIFs of quarterback Lamar Jackson displaying visible frustration.
In response to the backlash, comments on their engagement post have since been limited, and Otto has made her own Instagram private.
The couple has been together since Loop’s time playing at Arizona, and while the negativity was rampant, others defended him, urging people to refrain from harsh comments.
After the heartbreaking loss, Loop was clearly shaken. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was seen offering support, walking with him towards the locker room.
“It sucks for it to end like that, and I want to do better,” Loop expressed. “The job has its highs, like making kicks, but unfortunately, there are misses too, and tonight’s was tough.”