Sidney Crosby Adds "Quarterback" to His Résumé with $1 Million Football Toss

Apparently, Sidney Crosby doesn’t just deliver under pressure on the ice — he can also throw a perfect spiral when it counts.

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain stole the show at Pat McAfee’s Big Night AHT variety event on Wednesday, held at PPG Paints Arena. As part of a star-studded segment featuring Pittsburgh sports legends, Crosby stepped up for a football throwing challenge — and nailed it.

Crosby was joined on stage by longtime teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, along with former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes. The challenge? Each athlete had one shot to throw a football through a target placed at the far end of the stage. Every successful toss meant $1 million added to a fan's prize jackpot.

When McAfee asked Crosby about his confidence level going into the throw, the three-time Stanley Cup champ gave an honest, slightly amused answer:
"I have no idea what to expect, to be honest with you," he said with a smile.

With the arena’s Stanley Cup banners hanging high above, Crosby took his position — center stage, under pressure, and without a stick in sight. He delivered a pinpoint throw right through the target, instantly securing a $1 million payday for a lucky audience member.

The crowd erupted, breaking into MVP chants as Crosby grinned and celebrated with fellow Pittsburgh icons. It was a moment that blended skill, showmanship, and a whole lot of Pittsburgh pride.

Crosby reflected on the surreal nature of the experience the next day.

"It was unreal," he said Thursday. "Just not something you ever think of. What an unbelievable show. You stand at center ice and don’t expect to be holding a football, throwing for a million dollars. That’s the last thing you expect. No ice, no gear — just an awesome experience."

Malkin, meanwhile, was thrilled to be part of the event but couldn’t help expressing a bit of FOMO.

"I’m a little bit mad they didn’t give me a ball to throw," he joked. "It was only Sid, Ben, and Paul. But it’s fine. It was great to be together on stage. The fans were so loud. Just a fun event, and for a great cause."

In the city of champions, Sidney Crosby continues to prove there’s not much he can’t do. Hockey legend. Community figure. And now, honorary quarterback.