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Sam Hubbard has his helmet hung up. After seven seasons, the 29-year-old defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals announced his retirement from the NFL.
"In my heart, I know that I gave this game, this team, and this city everything that I had," Hubbard wrote on March 5 in a statement posted on X, the former Twitter platform. "That is why today, with great pride, I am announcing that I am moving on from my playing career in the NFL and entering the next chapter of my life."
The Ohio native continued by considering the significance of being able to play professionally for his home team.
"As a kid growing up in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati has always been, and will always be, home to my family and me," Hubbard said. "Before I ever wore a Bengals jersey, I bled black and orange. I am thankful every day for the path that led me from a high school lacrosse player up 71-North to a defensive end at The Ohio State University and back home as a third-round pick in the 2018 Bengals.
In addition to reflecting on all of his achievements as a professional football player, including a historic 2022 play known as the "Fumble in the Jungle" in which he recovered a fumble and ran the ball 98 yards before scoring a touchdown, the Bengals' longest-tenured player announced his retirement.
"From a draft pick to a starter, a 4x captain, and a guy who made a few plays along the way, we accomplished things that will never be forgotten," Hubbard said. "Breaking the 31-year playoff win drought, winning an AFC championship, back-to-back AFC North championships, a trip to the Super Bowl, and countless other memories."
He continued, "I woke up every day determined to give the fans something they could be proud of, cheer, and unite behind."
Former NFL defensive end Sam Hubbard has declared his intention to retire from the league. He stressed the value of love and community and thanked Cincinnati for providing him with a purpose outside of football. Hubbard was an excellent teammate, a gifted athlete, and an enthusiastic member of the community. He received two nominations for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Mike Brown, the team's president, thanked Hubbard for the memories he made as "Cincinnati's Own" and praised him as a great teammate, talented athlete, and dedicated community member.
