The Cincinnati Bengals were blindsided on Wednesday when one of the most important pieces on their team, defensive end Sam Hubbard, announced his retirement from the NFL.
“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,” Hubbard said in his statement.
“As a kid growing up in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati has always been, and will always be, home to my family and me. I bled orange and black before l ever put on a Bengals jersey. 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. 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.
“Breaking the 31-year playoff win drought, winning an AFC championship, back-to-back AFC North championships, a trip to the Super Bowl, and countless other memories. I woke up every day determined to give the fans something they could be proud of, cheer, and unite behind.
“This city gave me a purpose beyond football. Through the Sam Hubbard Foundation, l’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.
“Being nominated twice for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is my proudest accomplishment. I won’t be going anywhere, and we are still just getting started. 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.
“I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, Bengals ownership, and the NFL for everything you all have done for me. I could not have done any of this alone. 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.”
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“You lived the dreams of so many Cincinnati kids and we had some great times watching you do it,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Thank you for the memories and highlights we will enjoy watching for years to come. Thank you for all the time, hard work, and dedication you gave to this city and organization,” added one fan.
“Cincinnati legend! Can’t thank you enough Sam and all you have done for our city. You’re great football player and even better human being. To the Fumble in the Jungle to your last play as a Bengal being your first TD. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. 513 forever,” someone else wrote.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Bengals fill the massive void Hubbard will leave in the locker room.
