The Penguins’ Sidney Crosby showed his versatility at Pat McAfee’s “Big Night AHT” event recently. Held at the PPG Paints Arena, the night was filled with passion for Pittsburgh sports, featuring appearances from Crosby along with fellow Penguins Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and current Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
Crosby shared his excitement about participating in the event, stating, “It was unreal. Just a great experience. Seeing Ben, seeing a bunch of guys.” The event, hosted by Pat McAfee, a popular media personality and former NFL punter, was a spectacle for sports fans and served a charitable purpose. Attendees enjoyed over $1 million in cash prizes, with Crosby contributing by successfully throwing a football through a hoop, rewarding one guest with $1 million.
Reflecting on the experience, Crosby expressed, “You stand at center ice, you don’t expect to be holding the football, throwing for a million dollars. That’s the last thing you expect when you’re at center ice.” His accurate throw was celebrated by Roethlisberger, who also succeeded in making the throw, and Skenes, who attempted but missed.
Crosby remarked on the pressure, saying, “Definitely a lot of nerves when you’re going against those two arms. That’s a tough couple guys to go against. But we were having fun with it. I was happy to see it go there.”
Evgeni Malkin humorously mentioned his desire to participate, noting, “I’m a little bit mad they (didn’t) give me a ball to throw, you know? It’s like only Sid, Ben (Roethlisberger) and (Paul Skenes). But it’s fine. It’s great to be together on stage.”
Conlan O’Donoghue, a Duquesne University student manager, expressed the fans’ connection with the event, saying, “When Crosby came out, it was like one of our own being out there, our leader. Then when he sank the shot, it was just like a storybook because he does everything right.”
Crosby’s contribution to both entertainment and charity highlighted the event, bringing Pittsburgh’s sports community together for a memorable night.
