Sam Hubbard Bio
Sam Hubbard (born June 29, 1995) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire seven-year career as a defensive end with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Selected by the Bengals in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft, Hubbard became a cornerstone of the team’s defensive front and a respected figure in the Cincinnati community.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 265 pounds, Hubbard combined size, technique, and intelligence to forge a reputation as a reliable edge defender. Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 100 games and helped lead the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season.
Early Life and Background
Sam Hubbard was born on June 29, 1995, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in the same city where he would later build his professional career. He attended Archbishop Moeller High School, a well-known Catholic school in Cincinnati with a strong athletic tradition.
At Moeller, Hubbard played safety on the football team and recorded 109 tackles along with five interceptions as a senior. His performance earned him a five-star recruit rating from Scout.com, and he committed to Ohio State University to continue his football career. In addition to football, Hubbard also played lacrosse in high school and at one point was committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college lacrosse.
His combination of athleticism, versatility, and competitive drive helped shape him into a highly regarded prospect. Growing up in a football-rich region, Hubbard developed an early appreciation for the game that ultimately guided his path toward the sport’s highest level.
Path to American Football
Hubbard redshirted his first year at Ohio State in 2014 before emerging as a contributor during the 2015 season. As a redshirt freshman, he played in all 13 games and recorded 28 tackles along with 6.5 sacks, signaling his potential as a pass rusher.
In 2016, he started all 13 games as a redshirt sophomore and produced 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The following year, Hubbard played in 14 games as a redshirt junior and set a career high with seven sacks while adding 42 tackles. His development earned him Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017.
On December 30, 2017, Hubbard announced on Twitter that he would forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL draft. He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, completing most drills while opting out of the 40-yard dash and bench press, and later performed at Ohio State’s pro day.
Sam Hubbard Career
Early Career (2018-2019)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Hubbard in the third round with the 77th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, making him the seventh defensive end taken that year. On June 21, 2018, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.61 million, including a signing bonus of $929,200.
Hubbard made an immediate impact as a rookie. On September 13, 2018, he recorded his first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens, taking down quarterback Joe Flacco for an 11-yard loss. He finished his rookie season with 6 sacks, 39 total tackles, nine quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and a 19-yard fumble recovery touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. In 2019, Hubbard appeared in 15 games and tallied 8.5 sacks, 76 tackles, and one forced fumble, establishing himself as a full-time starter.
Bengals Breakthrough (2020-2022)
In 2020, Hubbard recorded two sacks and 62 tackles across 13 games before an elbow injury placed him on injured reserve in October. He returned in November and continued his role as a starter. The following offseason, on July 25, 2021, Hubbard signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension, cementing his long-term future with the Bengals.
During the 2021 season, Hubbard posted 7.5 sacks and played a pivotal role in Cincinnati’s playoff run. In the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he strip-sacked Patrick Mahomes in the red zone in the fourth quarter, forcing a field goal that tied the game and sent the Bengals to overtime, where they prevailed 27-24. In Super Bowl LVI, Hubbard recorded eight tackles against the Los Angeles Rams in a narrow 23-20 defeat.
The 2022 season produced 6.5 sacks and 60 tackles, but his most memorable moment came in the Wild Card Round on January 15, 2023. Hubbard returned a Tyler Huntley fumble 98 yards for a touchdown, setting records for the longest fumble return touchdown in NFL postseason history and the longest go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of a playoff game. The play, nicknamed the “Fumble in the Jungle,” sealed a 24-17 victory over the Ravens.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2023-2024)
Hubbard continued as a reliable starter in 2023, playing 15 games and recording six sacks, 58 tackles, and two fumble recoveries. His veteran presence remained an anchor along the Bengals’ defensive line as the team continued its competitive push in the AFC.
In 2024, Hubbard appeared in multiple games before a PCL injury ended his season in December. On December 15, 2024, against the Tennessee Titans, he scored his first career offensive touchdown on a two-yard reception from quarterback Joe Burrow. He finished the year with two sacks, 41 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sam Hubbard’s game centered on quick first-step explosiveness and disciplined technique, traits that allowed him to win consistently against both the run and the pass. He excelled at setting the edge, pursuing plays down the line of scrimmage, and capitalizing on fumble opportunities. His preparation, situational awareness, and calm execution under pressure made him one of the most trusted defenders on the Bengals’ roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
The 98-yard fumble return against Baltimore in January 2023 stands as the defining play of Hubbard’s career, cementing his name in NFL postseason record books. Other milestones include his first career sack in 2018, his four-year contract extension in 2021, and his AFC Championship strip-sack of Patrick Mahomes that helped send Cincinnati to Super Bowl LVI.
Sam Hubbard Career Wins
Across seven NFL seasons, Sam Hubbard built a steady résumé highlighted by consistent production, postseason heroics, and team leadership. He retired with 38.5 career sacks, 398 total tackles, and three total touchdowns, including two defensive scores and one offensive reception.
NFL Highlights
Hubbard appeared in multiple playoff games and was a key contributor on Cincinnati’s Super Bowl LVI roster. He recorded his first career sack in September 2018 against the Baltimore Ravens and later authored one of the most iconic defensive plays in recent postseason memory with his 98-yard fumble return touchdown in the 2022 Wild Card Round. His AFC Championship strip-sack of Patrick Mahomes in 2021 remains among the signature moments of Bengals postseason history.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his NFL résumé, Hubbard earned Second-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2017 at Ohio State and was a respected leader in the Cincinnati community. In 2021, he founded the Sam Hubbard Foundation and was nominated by the Bengals for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in both 2021 and 2022.
Sam Hubbard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Sam Hubbard grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Archbishop Moeller High School, where he developed into a five-star football recruit. His roots in the Cincinnati community helped shape his identity as a player deeply connected to the city and its fans.
Personal Life
Sam Hubbard married Jessica Koehler on April 12, 2025, shortly after announcing his retirement from professional football. In 2021, he established the Sam Hubbard Foundation to support causes in the Cincinnati area. He is widely recognized for his community involvement and leadership, qualities that earned him multiple nominations for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
2025 Season Performance
On March 5, 2025, Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL on Instagram, ending speculation about his future with the Cincinnati Bengals. The decision came after reports indicated the team was exploring trade options involving the veteran defensive end.
Hubbard closed his career with 38.5 sacks, 398 tackles, 55 tackles for loss, and three touchdowns across seven seasons, all spent in Cincinnati. His retirement marked the end of an era for the Bengals’ defense and opened a new chapter focused on philanthropy and life beyond football.
Following his retirement announcement, Hubbard married Jessica Koehler in April 2025. He is expected to remain active in the Cincinnati community through the Sam Hubbard Foundation, while also pursuing opportunities outside of professional football.