Every professional athlete owes a debt of gratitude to the fans and management, and pays an installment every time he plays. He should never miss a payment.

Bobby and Brett are the only father and son combination in any professional sport to both have their numbers retired. [citation needed]
In September 1981 Hull attempted one final comeback with the New York Rangers at age 42. He played in eighteen games before being traded to the Hartford Whalers for future considerations and played effectively in nine games and three playoff games before retiring once more to care for his partner who had been injured in an automobile accident.

In his 23 years in the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association Hull played for the Chicago Black Hawks Winnipeg Jets and Hartford Whalers. Many regard him as one of the greatest players of all time.