Sam Hubbard, the defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, shocked the football world by announcing his retirement at the age of 29 on March 5, 2025. A Cincinnati native, Hubbard spent his entire seven-year career with the Bengals, making a lasting impact with his pass-rushing ability, leadership, and iconic moments, including the famous “Fumble in the Jungle” during the 2022 playoffs.
In this article, we will explore Sam Hubbard’s biography, career highlights, reasons for his early retirement, net worth, and more.
Sam Hubbard Short Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sam Hubbard |
| Profession | Former NFL Defensive End |
| Hometown | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1995 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years old |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| College | Ohio State University |
| NFL Draft | 2018 / Round: 3 / Pick: 77 (Cincinnati Bengals) |
| Teams Played For | Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2024) |
| Jersey Number | 94 |
Early Life & College Career
High School Football & Lacrosse Star
Sam Hubbard was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Archbishop Moeller High School. Originally a safety, Hubbard racked up 109 tackles and five interceptions as a senior, earning a five-star recruit rating. Interestingly, he was also a talented lacrosse player, initially committing to Notre Dame for lacrosse before shifting his focus to football at Ohio State University.
College Career at Ohio State (2014–2017)
Hubbard redshirted his freshman season in 2014, transitioning from safety to defensive end. Over the next three seasons, he became a dominant pass rusher, recording:
- Career Stats: 116 total tackles, 17 sacks, and 30 tackles for loss.
- 2017: Named Second-Team All-Big Ten after recording 7 sacks in his final season.
- Declared for the 2018 NFL Draft after his junior year.
- Payton Pritchard and Derrick White Make Celtics History in Win Over Trail Blazers
- Who is Joey Bosa?
- Who is DK Metcalf?
NFL Career: Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2024)
Draft & Early Years (2018-2020)
- Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round (77th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
- Recorded 6 sacks as a rookie, including a fumble return touchdown.
- Posted a career-best 8.5 sacks and 76 tackles in 2019.
Breakout & Bengals’ AFC Championship Run (2021-2022)
- Signed a 4-year, $40 million contract extension in 2021.
- Had 7.5 sacks in 2021 and was a key defensive leader in the Bengals’ Super Bowl LVI run.
- “Fumble in the Jungle” (2022 Playoffs):
- In the AFC Wild Card Round vs. the Ravens, Hubbard returned a 98-yard fumble for a touchdown, the longest defensive touchdown in NFL playoff history.
- This play was the game-winning score, securing a 24-17 victory for Cincinnati.
Final Seasons & Injuries (2023-2024)
- Continued to be a top performer, recording six sacks in 2023.
- In 2024, he scored his first career offensive touchdown on a 2-yard pass from Joe Burrow.
- Suffered a PCL injury in December 2024, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
Sam Hubbard’s Career Stats & Achievements
| Career Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 104 |
| Total Tackles | 398 |
| Sacks | 38.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 6 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 5 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 16 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
| Longest TD Return | 98 yards (Playoff Record) |
Notable Achievements:
✅ Super Bowl Appearance (2021 Season – Bengals vs. Rams, Super Bowl LVI)
✅ AFC Champion (2021 Season)
✅ “Fumble in the Jungle” (2022 Playoffs) – Longest Fumble Return TD in Playoff History
✅ Cincinnati Bengals’ Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee (2021, 2022)
Why Did Sam Hubbard Retire at 29?
Hubbard’s sudden retirement at 29 left many NFL fans surprised. While he did not give a single definitive reason, several factors contributed to his decision:
- Injury Concerns – His PCL injury in 2024 may have played a role.
- Contract & Trade Rumors – Entering the final year of his contract, there were rumors the Bengals might trade him.
- Life Beyond Football – Hubbard mentioned he wanted to focus on new business opportunities, his family, and his foundation.
- Bengals Legacy – As a lifelong Bengals fan, he retired as a one-team player.
Sam Hubbard’s Net Worth & Future Plans
How Much Is Sam Hubbard Worth?
| Financial Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $25-30 million |
| Career Earnings | Over $55 million |
| Primary Income Sources | NFL Contracts, Endorsements |
| Endorsements | Nike, Bengals partnerships |
| Business Interests | Sam Hubbard Foundation |
Post-Retirement Plans:
- Expanding the Sam Hubbard Foundation – Helping underserved communities in Cincinnati.
- Possible Media Career – TV or radio analyst role in football.
- Business Investments – Exploring entrepreneurial ventures.
- Upcoming Wedding in 2025 – Hubbard is set to marry in Spring 2025.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sam Hubbard
- He was originally a lacrosse player and committed to Notre Dame before switching to football.
- He played safety in high school before transitioning to defensive end.
- His “Fumble in the Jungle” is the longest defensive TD in playoff history.
- He played for his hometown team his entire career.
- He was the longest-tenured player on the Bengals roster before retiring.
- He scored his first career offensive touchdown in 2024.
- He was a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award twice.
- He never played for another NFL team, making him a “Bengal for life.”
FAQs About Sam Hubbard
1. Why did Sam Hubbard retire early?
Hubbard retired at age 29, citing injuries, trade rumors, and new career opportunities outside of football.
2. What was Sam Hubbard’s most famous play?
His 98-yard fumble return touchdown against the Ravens in the 2022 playoffs, known as the “Fumble in the Jungle”.
3. What is Sam Hubbard’s net worth?
He is estimated to be worth $25-30 million, with career earnings of over $55 million.
4. Will Sam Hubbard return to football?
There is no indication he will return to playing, but he may take up media or coaching roles.
5. What’s next for Sam Hubbard?
He will focus on his foundation, business ventures, and family.
Conclusion: A Bengals Legend Retires Early
Sam Hubbard’s shock retirement at 29 marks the end of an incredible career spent entirely with his hometown Cincinnati Bengals. From his record-breaking playoff moment to his commitment to community service, Hubbard leaves behind a lasting legacy in Cincinnati.
Though he has stepped away from football, his impact on the Bengals and the city of Cincinnati will never be forgotten.
🔶 Thank you, Sam Hubbard – a Bengal for life! 🏈
