Quinn Hughes watched his younger brother, Jack, score the golden goal to give Team USA Olympic gold, and the emotion poured out afterward. The Minnesota Wild D-man didn’t just celebrate Jack’s heroics. He defended him against critics who have questioned his journey and his ability to perform at the highest level.
Jack Hughes has dealt with significant injury issues throughout his young career, undergoing two shoulder surgeries before turning 25. The road back from those injuries hasn’t been easy, and Quinn made it clear that people don’t understand what his brother has been through.
Quinn Hughes Believes Jack’s Overtime Winner Was the Answer to All Critics
Quinn didn’t hold back when asked about Jack’s performance and the criticism his brother has faced.
“Yeah, people don’t know shit. There are a bunch of idiots out there, and no one’s rehabbed before, you know? There are reporters out there saying this and that,” he said.
Quinn continued, “They don’t know what it’s like to get surgery for six months, not really feel good for 10 months, and do that back to back.” The frustration in Quinn’s voice was evident as he watched Jack battle through injuries and rehab while dealing with outside criticism, which clearly bothered the older brother.
But what stands out most is Jack’s ability to persevere through all of it. “For him to just persevere and keep believing and just keep going no matter what happens, he’s a special guy, a special player,” he told reporters.
Quinn’s pride in his younger brother was impossible to miss. Jack is only 24 years old and has already dealt with more adversity than most players face in an entire career. Yet he came through when it mattered most on the Olympic stage.
“I’m just so proud of him. He’s had two shoulder surgeries, and he’s so young. People have no idea how hard this journey has been for him, dealing with injuries and battling through so much to be the player he is.”
Quinn emphasized that Jack’s love for the game is what drives him through the difficult moments. “He loves this game more than anyone. He’s one of the best players in the world, and I’m so glad everyone got to see why today.”
When asked to sum up what makes Jack special, Quinn kept it simple.
He said, “He’s a freaking gamer. He’s always been a gamer. Just mentally tough, has been through a lot, and loves the game. An American hero.” That mental toughness was on full display when Jack scored the overtime winner to clinch gold for the United States.
The younger Hughes brother delivered under the brightest lights, silencing critics and proving his older brother right. Jack Hughes overcame two shoulder surgeries, months of difficult rehab, and constant scrutiny to become an Olympic hero. And Quinn Hughes made sure everyone knows just how hard that journey has been.
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