Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons. He posted his statement to X on Wednesday morning. Hubbard, known as the “Cincinnati Kid“, considered it a point of pride that he spent the entirety of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished his career on a high note this season with 41 tackles and 2 sacks. He also had a receiving touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in what would be his final NFL game. A Torn PCL forced him to sit out the season’s final three games.
Part of the defensive end’s retirement announcement said, “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. 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.” How will Hubbard’s NFL career be remembered?
Sam Hubbard Career Summary
Bengals DE Sam Hubbard announced he is retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/FCu17JpzzC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
Hubbard was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He finished his NFL career with 398 total tackles, 38.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and an interception. The defensive end also played a critical role for the Cincinnati Bengals during their run to Super Bowl LVI. He had 22 total tackles and 3 sacks during their playoff run.
Final Thoughts
As the longest-tenured player on the Bengals roster, Hubbard’s departure will leave a leadership void for a team entering a busy offseason. As a Cincinnati native, playing his entire NFL career with his hometown team, it is a feel-good story for Hubbard to retire with the franchise.
