Chris Hubbard Bio
Christopher E. Hubbard, born on April 23, 1991, in Columbus, Georgia, is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 295 pounds, Hubbard has built a career as a steady, versatile presence on the offensive line since entering the league in 2013. He is widely recognized for his time as a starter with the Cleveland Browns and has spent more than a decade navigating NFL rosters as both a starter and a dependable reserve.
Hubbard originally joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a productive college career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Over the years, he has worn the uniforms of the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants, and now plays for the Detroit Lions. His professional journey reflects persistence, with multiple transitions between active rosters and practice squads across several organizations.
Early Life and Background
Christopher E. Hubbard was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, where he attended George Washington Carver High School. He developed into a highly regarded offensive line prospect while starting at left tackle during his junior and senior seasons. Under his leadership, the program compiled a strong 26–3 record, and the team captured the 2007 Georgia High School Association Class AAA state championship, giving Hubbard early exposure to winning at a competitive level.
His senior season brought additional recognition. Hubbard was named to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer All-City team and earned a spot on the Associated Press Class AAA first-team All-State roster. He recorded 77 pancake blocks during that final high school campaign, a stat line that demonstrated his run-blocking skill and finishing mentality at the line of scrimmage. These performances positioned him as a recruit capable of competing at the Division I college level.
Hubbard went on to play for the UAB Blazers of the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2009 to 2012. As a freshman in 2009, he earned a selection to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team, an early sign of his potential. He continued to develop through his college years and was named First-team All-Conference USA in 2012 as a senior, capping his collegiate career with one of the conference’s top individual honors.
Chris Hubbard Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
After going unselected in the 2013 NFL Draft, Christopher E. Hubbard signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2013. He was released at the end of training camp that summer but was quickly signed to the Steelers’ practice squad in early September. On December 31, 2013, Hubbard was signed to a future contract, securing his place in the organization heading into the next season.
Hubbard made his NFL debut on September 21, 2014, against the Carolina Panthers. During his early years in Pittsburgh, he worked primarily as a depth piece on the offensive line, learning behind established veterans and contributing on special teams. He continued developing his technique and understanding of NFL-level play, laying the foundation for the expanded role that would come later in his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2016–2017)
Hubbard’s first extended opportunity arrived in 2016. After being released by the Steelers on August 19, he was re-signed, and on October 9, 2016, he received his first career start against the New York Jets, filling in for an injured Marcus Gilbert at right tackle. Hubbard played 76 offensive snaps in a 31–13 victory, drawing praise from head coach Mike Tomlin, offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for his poise and performance. He earned a second start later that month against the New England Patriots.
In 2017, Hubbard opened the season as the backup right tackle behind Gilbert, but an injury to Gilbert on September 24 thrust him back into the starting lineup. He started five of the next six games at right tackle, demonstrating durability and consistency. Although his time as a starter in Pittsburgh was limited, his play during those fill-in stretches helped establish his reputation as a reliable swing tackle.
Cleveland Browns Era (2018–2022)
On March 15, 2018, Hubbard signed a five-year, $37.50 million contract with the Cleveland Browns that included $15.15 million in guarantees and a $4 million signing bonus. The deal was a significant commitment to a player who had largely been a reserve, and it signaled the Browns’ belief in his potential as a full-time starter. He was named the team’s starting right tackle and started all 16 games in 2018, anchoring the right side of the offensive line.
Hubbard retained his starting role in 2019 but was eventually moved into a backup role at both tackle and guard after Cleveland signed free agent Jack Conklin and drafted Jedrick Wills Jr. with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He agreed to restructure his contract in order to remain with the team. The 2020 season was challenging: he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in November 2020 and later landed on injured reserve in December 2020 with a knee injury sustained in Week 15. He also went on injured reserve in October 2021, but returned to re-sign with the Browns on a one-year deal in March 2022.
Tennessee Titans and Recent Stops (2023–2024)
Hubbard signed with the Tennessee Titans on July 28, 2023, and was named the team’s starting right tackle. He started nine games before a biceps injury in late November 2023 sent him to injured reserve. Following his time in Tennessee, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers on May 14, 2024. He was released at the end of the preseason, signed to the 49ers’ practice squad in September, and was then signed off that practice squad by the New York Giants on October 18, 2024.
Detroit Lions Era (2025–Present)
On November 5, 2025, Hubbard signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, joining an organization that has built one of the NFL’s most respected offensive lines. His addition provides Detroit with another experienced veteran presence capable of stepping into game action when needed. Hubbard continues to add value through his versatility, having started at both tackle spots and played guard during his career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hubbard is best known for his run-blocking power and his reliability in pass protection. His 77 pancake blocks as a high school senior foreshadowed a player who thrives in physical, drive-blocking situations. He has developed into a dependable swing tackle capable of starting on either side of the line, and his experience across multiple schemes and coaching staffs has made him a trusted reserve and spot starter.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Hubbard’s career highlights are his 2018 season with the Browns, in which he started all 16 games following a major free-agent contract, and his standout first career start with the Steelers in 2016 against the New York Jets, where he drew high praise from the Pittsburgh coaching staff and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. His First-team All-Conference USA selection in 2012 also stands as a defining college achievement.
Chris Hubbard Career Wins
NFL Career Highlights
Christopher E. Hubbard has been part of winning efforts throughout his NFL career, including key victories during his time as a starting offensive tackle. His most prominent stretch as a starter came in 2018, when he helped the Cleveland Browns offensive line protect its quarterback and open running lanes over a full 16-game slate. While individual win totals for offensive linemen are not typically tracked, Hubbard’s presence in the lineup has been tied to some of the most competitive stretches in recent Browns history.
Other Performances
Beyond his NFL work, Hubbard earned First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2012 and a Conference USA All-Freshman selection in 2009 during his UAB career. He was also a state champion at George Washington Carver High School, winning the 2007 Georgia High School Association Class AAA title.
Chris Hubbard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Christopher E. Hubbard’s immediate family is limited. He was raised in Columbus, Georgia, and developed his football foundation in that community.
Personal Life
Details about Hubbard’s personal life, including marital status, are not widely documented in verified sources. He is known to be active on social media and remains connected to the Columbus, Georgia, community that helped shape his early football career.
2025 Season Performance
Hubbard joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on November 5, 2025, after a season that included stints with the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers practice squad. His signing added experienced depth to a Lions offensive line that has been a strength of the team in recent seasons. With Detroit contending in the NFC, Hubbard’s presence offers the club a veteran option in case of injury or rotation along the offensive front.
For Hubbard personally, the 2025 season represents another chapter in a journeyman career defined by adaptability and perseverance. He has started games at right tackle for the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans in recent years and brings that starting experience to a Detroit team that values depth on the offensive line. His role in 2025 will likely be measured by his readiness to step into the lineup and his continued contributions in the meeting room and on the practice field.
Looking ahead, Hubbard’s value lies in his positional flexibility, having played both tackle spots and guard during his NFL tenure. For the Lions, that flexibility is a meaningful asset during the grind of a long NFL season. Hubbard will aim to remain a trusted veteran presence as Detroit pushes toward the postseason.