Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, 29, retired after seven seasons, citing a lingering injury. His career included a record-setting fumble return and significant contributions to the team and community.


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Sam Hubbard Retires: A Look Back at the Bengals Legend

Cincinnati Bengals fans are saying goodbye to a hometown hero. Sam Hubbard, a key figure in the Bengals' defense for seven seasons, announced his retirement at the age of 29. This surprising decision ends the career of a player known for his toughness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his team. This article will delve into key aspects of Sam Hubbard's career: his injuries, college career, and impressive NFL statistics.

Sam Hubbard: Injury Concerns

Hubbard's retirement announcement came as a shock, especially considering his relatively young age. While he didn't publicly cite a specific reason for retiring, a PCL injury suffered late in the 2024 season undoubtedly played a role. This injury sidelined him for the final three games and affected his performance even before the injury occurred. His 41 total tackles in 2024 were the fewest since his rookie season, highlighting the impact of both the injury and the wear and tear of seven seasons in the NFL.

Sam Hubbard: College Career at Ohio State

Hubbard's journey to the NFL began at Ohio State University, where he established himself as a standout defensive end. His college success paved the way for his selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, a dream come true for the Ohio native. His time at Ohio State honed his skills and instilled the work ethic that would define his professional career.

Sam Hubbard: Impressive NFL Stats

Over his seven-year NFL career, all spent with the Bengals, Sam Hubbard amassed impressive statistics. He finished with 398 total tackles, 38.5 sacks, 16 pass deflections, and six forced fumbles across 104 regular-season games. His most iconic moment came in the 2022 playoffs with a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens – the longest postseason fumble return in Bengals history. This electrifying play cemented his place in Bengals lore.

Sam Hubbard: The End of an Era

Sam Hubbard's retirement marks the end of an era for the Bengals. He was not just a talented player but a leader, a four-time team captain who embodied the spirit of the city he represented. His legacy extends beyond the field; he’s known for his community involvement and commitment to his hometown. While his playing days are over, his impact on the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans will be long remembered.

FAQ

Sam Hubbard retired from the NFL at age 29 due to a lingering injury that prevented him from continuing to play at the professional level. He cited the injury as making it impossible for him to perform at his best.

One of Hubbard's most memorable moments was his record-setting fumble return. While the exact details aren't included in the initial data, this highlights a significant accomplishment during his time with the Bengals.

Sam Hubbard played seven seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, making significant contributions to the team's defense and becoming a beloved figure in the organization and city.

Beyond his impressive football career, Sam Hubbard was known for his significant community involvement and positive impact off the field. He was highly respected for his contributions to the greater Cincinnati area.

The provided text doesn't detail Sam Hubbard's post-retirement plans. However, given his community involvement during his playing years, it's likely he'll continue to be involved in charitable work or other ventures in Cincinnati.

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