The 2025 offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the narrative of the Cincinnati Bengals, especially from the perspective of their passionate fanbase. Picture this: as the Bengals gear up to make Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, the front office faces some crucial decisions about how to navigate the financial landscape, particularly regarding contracts for other key players like Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson.
This offseason promises to not only bring substantial contracts but also signals a shift within the Bengals’ roster. To open up the cap space necessary for these transformative deals, the team will likely have to say goodbye to some cherished veterans. Recently, linchpins such as guard Alex Cappa and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins have been marked as outgoing players. Following this trend, defensive end Sam Hubbard has also found himself in the spotlight with news of his impending release.
However, what followed was a heartfelt announcement from Hubbard himself, declaring his retirement from professional football—a moment that undoubtedly stirs emotions among Bengals supporters and teammates alike.
Over his seven-season tenure with the Bengals, Hubbard emerged as a true pillar of the franchise, serving as a team captain for four of those years and consistently starting in games. His impressive career totals include 38.5 sacks, placing him eighth in the annals of Bengals history. Beyond the stats, Hubbard will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans, famously known as the “Cincinnati Kid.” Growing up just a stone’s throw away in the Cincinnati area, attending Moeller High School, and later thriving at Ohio State, he has become the embodiment of homegrown talent making waves on the professional stage.
Hubbard’s legend is further solidified by unforgettable moments, most notably his miraculous scoop and score during the 2022 NFL playoffs, a play that remains etched in the memories of Bengals fans.
For a player whose entire football journey spans across the Ohio landscape—from Archbishop Moeller High School to Ohio State, and finally to the Cincinnati Bengals—the connection to the state runs deep. Wherever the future takes him, whether in football or beyond, one thing is for certain: the support from Cincinnati and the entire state of Ohio will trail alongside him.
In the pantheon of Bengals legends, Sam Hubbard has etched his name into the narrative of this franchise. His contributions both on and off the field have left a legacy that will resonate in the hearts of fans for years to come.
