‘People don’t know s—. A bunch of idiots out there’: Quinn Hughes defends brother jack after Olympic golden goal

There’s no better protector than that of an older sibling.

On Sunday, in front of a packed Milano Santagiulia, United States forward Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime of the gold medal game to defeat Canada.

Along with giving the U.S. men’s hockey team its first Olympic gold medal in 46 years, it cemented Hughes as a big-time player. When speaking to the media after the game, Jack’s older brother, Quinn, was asked about Jack’s inability to stay healthy. Quinn didn’t take too kindly to the criticism his brother takes.

“People don’t know shit,” Quinn responded. “There’s a bunch of idiots out there and no one’s rehabbed before. There’s reporters out there saying this and that. 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. For him to just persevere and keep believing and just keep going no matter what happens, he’s a special guy, special player.”

There was concern over Jack’s status heading into the Winter Olympics. He missed several months after receiving a cut to his hand during a team dinner. The New Jersey Devils star also suffered a lower-body injury late last month in the lead-up to the Olympic break. All that comes after a shoulder injury knocked him out for the last couple of months of the 2024-25 regular season, and all of the Devils’ run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jack finished tied for the U.S. roster in scoring with Auston Matthews, both posting seven points in six games. Only Quinn, who led the charge with eight points, had more.

Yet, Quinn was sure to praise his brother for his ability to come clutch in the biggest moment of the tournament.

“[Jack’s] a freaking gamer. He’s always been a gamer. Just mentally tough, been through a lot, loves the game. American hero.”