Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard announced Wednesday that he is retiring from the NFL. The veteran pass rusher signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension with the Bengals in 2021; his retirement will clear nearly $10 million in salary cap space for the Bengals.
Hubbard wrote on social media: “In my heart, I know that I gave this game, this team, and this city everything that I had. 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. As a kid growing up in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati has always been, and will always be, home to my family and me. I bled orange and black before I ever put on a Bengals jersey. The journey that took me from a high school lacrosse player up 71-North to become a defensive end at The Ohio State University and back home again as a Bengals third-round pick in 2018, is something for which I am grateful for every day. 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. 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. I woke up every day determined to give the fans something they could be proud of, cheer, and unite behind. I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, Bengals ownership, and the NFL for everything you all have done for me. I could not have done any of this alone. To the fans — Who Dey Nation — I thank you the most; you inspired me. From the years of struggle and adversity to Super Bowl LVI, you never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.”
Hubbard, a former Ohio State star, spent his entire seven-year career with the Bengals, joining the organization in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati native was active for 104 games during that span, making 88 starts for the franchise, and totaling 398 combined tackles, 55 tackles for a loss, 38.5 sacks, 16 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, an interception and a fumble recovery for a score during his NFL tenure.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said: “Sam is the definition of what it means to be a professional, and I will always be grateful for the role he played as a leader for our team. Sam brought a championship mindset to work every single day with his dedication, commitment and passion for the game. He has proven to be a winner at every level of his career and helped get the most out of his teammates. Sam embraced his Cincinnati roots and created a lasting legacy on and off the field. I am certain he will continue to find success with everything the future brings for him.”
Bengals owner Mike Brown added: “Sam always has been and always will be a wonderful part of the Bengals organization and the entire Cincinnati community. Growing up here, he was a top youth athlete on local gridirons and lacrosse fields before becoming a standout football player at Ohio State. We were fortunate to draft him in 2018, and we immediately knew that we added an outstanding player and an even better person to our team. Sam epitomizes what you want in a player — he’s a great teammate, a talented athlete and a passionate community member.”
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