Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard has announced his retirement from the NFL at just 29 years old. After seven seasons with the Bengals, he shared the emotional news on social media, leaving everyone shocked.
Sam Hubbard, the longest-tenured player on the Bengals at the time of his retirement, shared an emotional IG post about his career. He expressed how much it meant to play for the team he loved, noting, “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.”
Hubbard is proud of his accomplishments, including winning an AFC Championship, reaching the Super Bowl, and winning the AFC North twice. He played 104 regular-season games, starting 88 consecutive games from 2019 to 2024.
Over his career, he recorded 38.5 sacks, 16 pass deflections, and six forced fumbles. One of his most memorable moments was the 98-yard fumble return touchdown against the Ravens in the 2022 playoffs, known as the “Fumble in the Jungle.”
After Hubbard’s decision to retire, many in the NFL world praised his contributions to the league, even though his quick choice left fans and teammates shocked.
Fans react to Sam Hubbard’s retirement announcement
The NFL community has been reacting to Sam Hubbard’s retirement announcement at the age of 29. His former teammate, Johnnie Dixon III, congratulated him, writing, “Congrats on a great career my brotha 🙏🏾.”
Congrats on a great career my brotha 🙏🏾 https://t.co/oKWe5KyNgS
— Johnnie L. Dixon III (@YoungKing_JD5) March 5, 2025
The @PatMcAfeeShow also shared their love for Hubbard’s decision to retire. @OpoyChase tweeted, “I’m sure everyone and their mother is posting this, but too bad yall are seeing it again. Happy retirement Sam Hubbard. Forever a Cincinnati legend 🧡🖤”
I’m sure everyone and their mother is posting this, but too bad yall are seeing it again. Happy retirement Sam Hubbard.
— Chris ✟ (@OpoyChase) March 5, 2025
Forever a Cincinnati legend 🧡🖤
pic.twitter.com/003E2KsQlP
@SouthwestLocal posted, “Thanks for the memories, Sam Hubbard! Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes for the next chapter.”
Thanks for the memories, Sam Hubbard! Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes for the next chapter. @Bengals pic.twitter.com/lAg6OWT7qk
— Southwest Schools (@SouthwestLocal) March 5, 2025
@SandersonRadio wrote, “Sam Hubbard retired today leaving us with one of the most exciting late-game plays in recent memory. Just take a minute & watch the big fella go.”
Sam Hubbard retired today leaving us with one of the most exciting late-game plays in recent memory. Just take a minute & watch the big fella gopic.twitter.com/rMyb9msy2m
— Sean Anderson (@SandersonRadio) March 5, 2025
