Steelers Kicker’s 60-Yard Win Earns Bizarre Tomlin Label

In a game defined by brutal defense and grinding offense, it was the unerring leg of the Steelers kicker Chris Boswell that delivered the final, decisive blow. As the clock hit zero in a nail-biting season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Boswell drilled a jaw-dropping 60-yard field goal, securing a 24-21 victory. But the kick itself was only half the story. The other half came from Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who, in his classic style, christened his clutch kicker with a label so strange it’s destined for Steelers folklore.

The 60-Yard Dagger at Acrisure

The scene was pure pandemonium. With just four seconds left on the clock, the Steelers found themselves tied 21-21 against their arch-rivals. After a frantic final drive stalled at the Ravens’ 42-yard line, the weight of the entire city of Pittsburgh fell squarely on the shoulders of one man. The air was thick with tension as Chris Boswell trotted onto the field. A 60-yard attempt is a monumental task for any kicker, a distance where hope often outweighs expectation.

The snap from Christian Kuntz was perfect. The hold from punter Pressley Harvin III was immaculate. Boswell approached the ball with the same cool demeanor he’s shown a hundred times before, his leg swinging through in a powerful, fluid motion. The unmistakable “thud” echoed through the suddenly silent stadium. For a moment, 68,000 fans held their collective breath, watching the pigskin spiral end-over-end toward the north end zone.

It was a missile. The kick had both the distance and the direction, sailing directly between the uprights with several yards to spare. The stadium erupted. Teammates mobbed Boswell, hoisting him onto their shoulders as the hero of the hour. It was a signature moment from a player who has made a career of them, a perfect start to a season filled with high hopes.

Tomlin’s Bizarre Label: “The Temporal Assassin”

While the city celebrated the kick, the media waited for the inevitable post-game press conference with Mike Tomlin. Known for his unique and often memorable phrases, or “Tomlinisms,” the coach did not disappoint. When asked about his kicker’s heroic performance, a wry smile crept across Tomlin’s face.

“Boz is… he’s a temporal assassin,” Tomlin stated, matter-of-factly. The room fell quiet, reporters scribbling furiously and trying to decipher the meaning. Tomlin elaborated. “The moment doesn’t exist for him. Time bends. He’s not kicking the ball to where the uprights are now; he’s kicking it to where they’re going to be. He just assassinates the moment, plain and simple. He’s a temporal assassin.”

The bizarre yet brilliant label perfectly encapsulates Boswell’s uncanny ability to thrive under pressure. It suggests a player who operates on a different plane of existence, immune to the crushing weight of a game-winning situation. The praise for the Steelers kicker didn’t stop there. Tomlin continued, “We don’t blink. He certainly doesn’t blink. We have the ultimate confidence in him in those moments. That’s his kitchen. He’s comfortable in there.” The “temporal assassin” moniker immediately began trending on social media, another classic addition to the Tomlin lexicon and a fitting tribute to Boswell’s seemingly supernatural clutch gene.

A Legacy of Clutch: Is Boswell the Best Steelers Kicker Ever?

This latest feat immediately reignited a long-simmering debate in Pittsburgh: Is Chris Boswell the greatest Steelers kicker of all time? While names like Gary Anderson and Jeff Reed hold special places in the hearts of the black-and-gold faithful, Boswell’s resume is becoming undeniable.

Since joining the team in 2015, Boswell has been a model of consistency and reliability. He holds one of the highest field goal percentages in NFL history and has repeatedly proven his mettle from long range. According to Pro-Football-Reference, his accuracy from 50+ yards is among the league’s elite. But stats only tell part of the story. It’s the moments he chooses to deliver that define his legacy.

From game-winners in the regular season to crucial kicks in the playoffs, Boswell has earned the nickname “The Wizard of Boz” for his magical ability to come through when it matters most. He has demonstrated a mental fortitude that separates good kickers from great ones. This 60-yarder, the longest of his career and a new franchise record, is simply the latest and most dramatic entry on a long list of clutch performances. For more on the history of great Steelers players, you can read our profile on the franchise’s most impactful figures.

While Anderson may have the longevity and Reed the Super Bowl rings, many fans now argue that Boswell’s combination of accuracy, power, and unflappable nerve makes him the undisputed G.O.A.T. among Steelers kickers.

What This Means for the Steelers’ Season

Starting the season 1-0 with a divisional win is huge, but the manner in which it was won could be even more significant. This victory serves as a massive confidence booster for the entire organization. It reinforces the team’s belief that they can win tight games, a hallmark of Tomlin-coached teams.

Knowing you have a “temporal assassin” waiting on the sideline changes the calculus of late-game offense. It extends the team’s effective field goal range and allows the offense to play with a little less pressure, knowing they only need to get to the opponent’s 42-yard line to have a legitimate shot at points. This is a strategic and psychological advantage that cannot be overstated.

As the Steelers navigate a tough 2025 schedule, they will undoubtedly find themselves in more close contests. But with a defense built to keep games tight and a kicker who bends time to his will, they have a proven formula for success. The legend of Chris Boswell, the temporal assassin, is just beginning its next chapter.