Bengals defensive finish Sam Hubbard is opting to name it quits after seven seasons with the franchise in a stunning transfer by the 29-year-old Ohio native.
Hubbard, generally known as “The Cincinnati Kid,” tallied 38 ½ sacks in his profession and was the workforce’s longest-tenured participant.
“In my heart, I know that I gave this game, this team, and this city everything that I had,” Hubbard posted throughout varied 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 stated he “bled orange and black” lengthy earlier than being drafted by his favourite workforce.
He stayed native for school, starring for Ohio State, and Cincinnati then gave him a storybook second when it chosen him within the third spherical of the 2018 draft.
“(It’s) something for which I am grateful for every day,” he wrote.
Hubbard confirmed sturdiness throughout his profession, showing in a minimum of 13 video games in every season.
He set a career-high with 8 ½ sacks throughout the 2019 season, however tallied simply two this previous season earlier than his marketing campaign ended early as a consequence of a torn PCL.
After enduring three dropping seasons to start out his profession, together with a 2-14 marketing campaign in 2014, he then loved the Bengals’ renaissance below quarterback Joe Burrow.
Hubbard performed in his lone Tremendous Bowl in 2022, tallying eight mixed tackles and one quarterback hit.
He had one 12 months 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 submit that having ties to the neighborhood resonated with him, and he offered few particulars about his subsequent 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 Yr Award is my proudest accomplishment. I gained’t be going wherever, and we’re nonetheless simply getting began.
“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 submit captioned “To: The Cincinnati Kid 🧡” that showcased profession highlights.
“Sam epitomizes what you want in a player — he’s a great teammate, a talented athlete and a passionate community member,” Bengals proprietor Mike Brown stated in a press release.
“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.’”
