Viral Quote Misattributes Emotional Farewell to Sidney Crosby — Originates from NFL’s Hayden Hurst
A touching farewell message has been circulating online, attributed to Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, which reads:
“Thank you for letting me love the game again. I know I was only in stripes for a year, but thank you Pittsburgh for giving me an opportunity to love the game again! My passion was genuine and a direct result of the friendships, coaching, and relationships I created in Penguins.”
At first glance, the quote appears to be a heartfelt goodbye from Crosby to the Penguins and their fans. However, the origin of the statement is not Crosby—it belongs to NFL tight end Hayden Hurst, who shared a similar message when departing from the Cincinnati Bengals after spending the 2022 season with the team.
The phrase “only in stripes for a year” refers to the Bengals’ distinctive striped uniforms, and the sentiment was directed toward his football experience, not hockey. The confusion seems to stem from someone replacing “Bengals” with “Pittsburgh” and “NFL” context with hockey references like “Penguins,” thus misattributing it to Sidney Crosby.
As of now, there are no official statements from Crosby or the Pittsburgh Penguins regarding a departure or retirement. In fact, Crosby remains under contract with the Penguins through the 2026–2027 NHL season after signing an extension in 2024. He continues to serve as team captain and is considered one of the franchise’s most loyal and respected figures.
This viral misquote highlights the ease with which quotes can be lifted from one athlete and contextually altered to create confusion. It also reflects Crosby’s respected image—people are eager to associate him with emotion and class, which he has certainly demonstrated throughout his career.
For the time being, fans should know: Sidney Crosby hasn’t said goodbye. He remains the heart of the Penguins, and any such statement should be confirmed through verified team channels or trusted sports media.