The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek showed up to Steelers practice in full holiday mode, wearing a Santa suit as the team prepared during Christmas week.

His look immediately turned heads in the locker room, but not everyone in the building was impressed.

MORE: Jerry Jones’ hilarious Christmas gift surprise has Cowboys players laughing at team hotel

Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling offered a blunt review of Skowronek’s Santa suit. “looked stupid,” teammate said. And Skowronek fired back with a grin and leaned into the joke. “Not everybody’s a Grinch like MVS,” he said. “MVS got coal this morning.” This was reported by beat writer Brendan Howe.

#Steelers WR Ben Skowronek wore a Santa suit to practice today for Christmas. Marquez Valdes-Scantling said it looked stupid.

“Not everybody’s a Grinch like MVS,” Skowronek said. “MVS got coal this morning.” #HereWeGo

— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) December 25, 2025

The playful scene came during a season that has quietly been a breakthrough for Skowronek. While the Santa suit grabbed attention, his on-field contributions have carried real weight. Known primarily for his work on special teams, Skowronek has emerged as one of Pittsburgh’s most reliable coverage players.

That impact was rewarded this week when Skowronek was selected to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career. He joins longtime Steelers standouts T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey, who were both named to the Pro Bowl roster for the eighth consecutive season. Unlike his veteran teammates, Skowronek arrives as a newcomer, earning his spot after leading the fan vote.

Skowronek leads the Steelers with 20 special teams tackles this season, including 10 solo stops, while serving as a gunner on coverage units. He also has a fumble recovery, consistently flipping field position and delivering high-effort plays that do not always show up in box scores.

A five-year NFL veteran in his second season with Pittsburgh, Skowronek has also provided depth at wide receiver. He found the end zone in the season opener against the New York Jets, further highlighting his versatility and value to the roster.

So while a Santa suit may have earned him some locker-room ribbing, Skowronek’s Pro Bowl selection confirms that his season has been anything but a joke.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL: Predicting the winner for every NFL game in Week 17

CFB: Updated 2025-26 College Football Playoff odds entering quarterfinals

MLB: Rays lose free agent closer to $13 million contract with NL East team 

NBA: Full 2025 NBA Christmas TV schedule, list of games

ENTERTAINMENT: Tate McRae fuels relationship rumors with NHL star after NYC visit

VIRAL: Josh Allen, Hailee Steinfeld beef up Bills’ o-line with Christmas gifts