Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard is opting to call it quits after seven seasons with the franchise in a surprising move by the 29-year-old Ohio native.
Hubbard, known as “The Cincinnati Kid,” tallied 38 ½ sacks in his career and was the team’s longest-tenured player.
“In my heart, I know that I gave this game, this team, and this city everything that I had,” Hubbard posted across various social media channels. “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.”
Hubbard grew up in Ohio, attending Archbishop Moeller in Cincinnati, and said he “bled orange and black” long before being drafted by his favorite team.
He stayed local for college, starring for Ohio State, and Cincinnati then gave him a storybook moment when it selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft.
“(It’s) something for which I am grateful for every day,” he wrote.
Hubbard showed durability during his career, appearing in at least 13 games in each season.
He set a career-high with 8 ½ sacks during the 2019 season, but tallied just two this past season before his campaign ended early due to a torn PCL.
After enduring three losing seasons to start his career, including a 2-14 campaign in 2014, he then enjoyed the Bengals’ renaissance under quarterback Joe Burrow.
Hubbard played in his lone Super Bowl in 2022, tallying eight combined tackles and one quarterback hit.
He had one year remaining on the four-year, $40 million extension he signed in 2021.
“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 wrote.
He added: “To play my entire career in one uniform is incredibly special to me, and I am a Bengal for life, always have been and always will be.”
Hubbard made it clear in his post that having ties to the community resonated with him, and he provided few details about his next steps.
“This city gave me a purpose beyond football. Through the Sam Hubbard Foundation, I’ve tried to lift up Cincinnati the way you’ve lifted me. Your support and the impact we have had together have shown me that community and love outweigh any trophy,” Hubbard wrote. “Being nominated twice for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is my proudest accomplishment. I won’t be going anywhere, and we are still just getting started.
“What’s next? Although it is the end of my playing career, I view this as a new beginning. A new chapter to explore other business opportunities, further the mission of The Sam Hubbard Foundation, focus on my health and family and also take on new challenges.”
The Bengals honored him with an Instagram post captioned “To: The Cincinnati Kid 🧡” that showcased career highlights.
“Sam epitomizes what you want in a player — he’s a great teammate, a talented athlete and a pᴀssionate community member,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement.
“It has been my honor to watch him play his entire NFL career for his hometown team. We thank him for the memories he created as ‘Cincinnati’s own.’”
