The Bengals defensive end has called time on his NFL career, aged just 29.
News of Sam Hubbard’s early release, with a year left on his deal, was never going to be a shock.
His recent decline – largely due to calf and hamstring injuries – plus an $11.5 million cap hit made his departure, or even a contract restructure, likely.
But retirement? I did not see that coming, despite being the only player left on the team who was drafted before head coach Zac Taylor arrived.
The unexpected announcement adds a full stop to a seven-year career spent entirely with his beloved hometown team.
“To play my entire career in one uniform is incredibly special to me.
I am a Bengal for life. Always have been and always will be.”
A fine legacy
In every one of the recent tributes to ‘Old Mother’ I have seen, the same themes come up – great player, even greater guy.
He was hardworking. Dedicated. And would run through fire, torn hamstring or not, rather than leave his teammates hanging.
Drafted in 2018, his career includes 398 tackles, 55 tackles for loss and 38.5 sacks. Between 2021 and 2023, he played 2,679 defensive snaps, the second-most among all defensive linemen.
The four-time captain was Mr. Reliability as the Bengals went from basement to Super Bowl. But there were big moments too.
Hubbard’s highlights
Hubbard’s 98-yard fumble return – the ‘Fumble in the Jungle’ – sealed a Wild Card win over Baltimore in 2023. It instantly became one of the most memorable plays in franchise history.
But the 2021 AFC Championship game against the Chiefs was arguably his finest hour.
With the last two scrimmage snaps in regulation, he sacked Patrick Mahomes twice, preventing a game-winning touchdown and forcing overtime. Most notably, on 3rd-and-Goal with 0:36 left, he waited… and waited… then flew in like a missile to take Mahomes down.
And in what turned out to be his last-ever snap, Hubbard lined up with the offense against the Titans, ran two yards into the end zone and made a flying catch.
Alas, he tore his PCL in the process and that probably sealed the deal. But that play makes him the first defensive player ever to end his NFL career with an offensive touchdown. Iconic.
More than just a Bengal
For all his impact on the field, Hubbard also continues to make a big difference in the community.
The Sam Hubbard Foundation improves access to food and education for Cincinnatians, while Hubbard’s Cupboard provides schoolkids with hygiene items, healthy snacks and school supplies.
Then there is his annual Fowling Tournament – a weird football/bowling hybrid – and a youth football camp.
No wonder he was twice the Bengals’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
A final word
Hubbard’s work ethic and passion for the game epitomise professionalism. He should be proud of all he achieved.
I know – for a fact – that his family are, because I met them outside Wembley when the Bengals played the Rams in 2019. They could not have been more thrilled about his accomplishments and how loved he felt.
So adios Sam. Enjoy your forthcoming wedding day and good luck with whatever comes next. You are one of Cincy’s finest and deserve every success.
