Sam Hubbard turns 31 immediately, however his NFL profession stays one among the most memorable tales for Cincinnati Bengals followers. The former Bengals defensive finish retired in March 2025 after spending seven seasons together with his hometown workforce, bringing to a detailed one among the extra distinctive careers in franchise historical past.
A Cincinnati native, Archbishop Moeller graduate, Ohio State standout and third-round choose in the 2018 NFL Draft, Hubbard grew to become one among the faces of the Bengals’ resurgence below Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow.
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Hubbard was a constant drive on the area all through his tenure and introduced depth to Cincinnati’s protection. He appeared in 104 regular-season video games, together with 88 begins, and completed with 398 complete tackles, 38.5 sacks, 55 tackles for loss, 16 passes defended, one interception, six compelled fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries. His 38.5 sacks rank fourth amongst all gamers chosen in the 2018 NFL Draft class, whereas he additionally added two defensive touchdowns and one receiving landing throughout his profession.
His best particular person season got here in 2019, when he recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks regardless of Cincinnati ending 2-14. Hubbard developed into one among the league’s most reliable edge defenders over the following seasons and was voted a workforce captain in every of his last 4 years with the group from 2021 by means of 2024. During that stretch, the Bengals captured back-to-back AFC North titles, reached consecutive AFC Championship Games and superior to Super Bowl LVI.
Hubbard additionally delivered a few of the largest moments in franchise historical past. His 98-yard fumble return landing in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 AFC Wild Card Game grew to become often called the “Fumble in the Jungle” and stays one among the most memorable performs of Cincinnati’s current playoff run.
He suffered a PCL damage in his last season and completed the 12 months with 41 tackles and two sacks in 14 begins.
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Beyond the area, Hubbard established himself as one among the Bengals’ most revered leaders. He was twice nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his group work by means of the Sam Hubbard Foundation, which focuses on enhancing entry to meals, schooling and wholesome residing in Cincinnati.
Although accidents shortened what many believed might have been an extended profession, Hubbard left the recreation precisely as he hoped. He retired after seven seasons, all with Cincinnati, turning into the longest-tenured participant on the roster at the time of his retirement. His final message summed up his relationship with the franchise and the metropolis he represented all through his profession: “I am a Bengal for life.”