There was no Aaron Rodgers, but Pat McAfee’s “Big Night Aht” at PPG Paints Arena was still a big success.
Rumors were circulating that since the free agent is a frequent guest on McAfee’s ESPN show, he could show up and announce he’s going to be the next Steelers quarterback.
Even with Rodgers not being there, there was plenty to keep the sold-out crowd entertained.
Jelly Roll performed “Renegade”, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa were there, country star Ernest performed, WWE’s Michael Cole and Jey Uso, comedian Shane Gillis, Oz the Mentalist, sumo wrestlers and more.
But it was the past and present sports heroes that the crowd couldn’t get enough of: Ben Roethlisberger, Paul Skenes, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby.
And, of course, it was Crosby that stole the show.
Roethlisberger, Skenes and Crosby all got a chance to help win a random audience member a lot of money by throwing a football through a ring target.
Roethlisberger hit his and Skenes missed. But, it was Crosby “good at everything” and his great thrown that made the pot $2 million, which went to a fan wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey.
“It was actually the best throw of the night,” Bob Pompeani said.
Other people in attendance won cash prizes as well.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for charities like Foundation of Hope, Special Olympics and fold of honor.
Money was also donated to Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Listen to Austin Bechtold’s review of the good and not so good above.