In a move that stunned Cincinnati Bengals fans, defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL at just 29 years old.
The longtime team captain made the announcement Wednesday, bringing his seven-season career with the Bengals to an unexpected close.
As The Western Journal reported [2], Hubbard’s decision comes after a rough season marred by injuries. In December, he managed to snag a 2-yard touchdown pass in a 37-27 win over the Tennessee Titans, but that play also marked the end of his season—and his career—when he suffered a devastating knee injury.
As Sports Illustrated noted, the injury wasn’t just season-ending, it was career-ending.
The Bengals veteran had been battling injuries for years. ESPN reported that he played the entire 2024 season with a hamstring injury, and the Cincinnati Enquirer pointed out that it followed an ankle injury in 2023 that required offseason surgery.
As his latest season wore on, his playing time dwindled, and it became clear the wear and tear had taken its toll.
Hubbard broke the news with an emotional Instagram post, making it clear that this wasn’t a decision he took lightly.
“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.”
View this post on Instagram
A native of Southwest Ohio, Hubbard has deep ties to Cincinnati. He spoke about growing up as a fan long before he ever wore the orange and black, calling it an honor to be drafted by the Bengals in 2018.
“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.”
During his time with the Bengals, Hubbard helped lead the team through major milestones, including breaking a 31-year playoff win drought, winning an AFC championship, securing back-to-back AFC North titles, and making a Super Bowl appearance.
He was a key figure on and off the field, not only as a leader in the locker room but through his Sam Hubbard Foundation, which focuses on uplifting the Cincinnati community.
“Your support and the impact we have had together have shown me that community and love outweigh any trophy. Being nominated twice for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is my proudest accomplishment,” Hubbard wrote.
“Although it is the end of my playing career, I view this as a new beginning.”
Bengals President Mike Brown praised Hubbard for embodying everything a team wants in a leader.
“He helped us win a lot of football games, and he had a number of very memorable plays over the years. His 98-yard fumble recovery return in the Wild Card win over Baltimore is one of the most iconic touchdowns in team history,” Brown said.
“It has been my honor to watch him play his entire NFL career for his hometown team.”
To: The Cincinnati Kid
Thank you, @Sam_Hubbard_ [4] pic.twitter.com/vBfPvUeVR3 [5]
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 5, 2025 [6]
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor also recognized Hubbard’s leadership, calling him the ultimate professional.
“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.”
Though Hubbard’s time on the field has ended, his impact in Cincinnati is far from over. As he put it:
“I won’t be going anywhere, and we are still just getting started.”
“From a draft pick to a starter, a 4x captain… we accomplished things that will never be forgotten.” – @Sam_Hubbard_ [4] #RuleTheJungle [7] pic.twitter.com/W5iQB8ToK8 [8]
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 5, 2025 [9]