Crosby reflects on 2011 concussion after receiving advocacy award

Sidney Crosby received the American Brain Foundation's Commitment to Cures award Wednesday for his advocacy for concussion awareness, and the Pittsburgh Penguins star opened up about his recovery from his 2011 head injury.

"Missing a year of hockey taught me a lot," Crosby said during the virtual awards event, per the NHLPA. "In particular, to not take anything for granted. I thought I loved the game before I got hurt - and trust me, I loved the game. But I love it even more (now), being able to come back and play the game that I love every day."

Crosby suffered a concussion in January 2011 that forced him to miss the rest of that season and limited him to just 22 games the following campaign. With the NHL's most prized talent on the sidelines for an extended period, conversations surrounding the seriousness of head injuries increased significantly.

“I think there was important dialogue, important education that happened because of this injury," Crosby said. "I think that moving forward, we've gotten much better at educating ourselves and understanding what it is, as far as necessary steps with concussions."

The 32-year-old pivot also expressed his gratitude towards his close circle of family, friends, and medical personnel throughout his road to recovery.

"My friends and family were a huge support over the course of my injury. It wasn’t always easy to relate, not always easy to explain a good day from a bad one, but they were always there to help and listen and support in any way that they could," he added. "My team, the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players' Association, and, as well, all the amazing doctors I was fortunate enough to work with, were also very instrumental to me getting better."

Since his recovery, Crosby has captured two Stanley Cups, a pair of Conn Smythe Trophies, two Ted Lindsay Awards, one Art Ross Trophy, one Hart Trophy, and one Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.