“Cincinnati’s own.”

After the Cincinnati Bengals ended their 2024 season, long-time defensive end and native son of Cincinnati Sam Hubbard chose to hang up his cleats and retire.

Hubbard didn’t have a stellar 2024 season, but in an odd way, his season ended beautifully. His last NFL snap was actually on offense, where he caught a touchdown pass from his college buddy, Joe Burrow.

Sadly, Hubbard suffered a season-ending knee injury on the play.

At just 29, some thought Hubbard would be released and possibly sign elsewhere, but the “Cincinnati Kid” didn’t want to play anywhere else.

Hubbard recently teamed up with Fifth Third Bank at an event to combat food insecurity and spoke to FOX 19 about his thought process leading up to retirement.

“I had a great career. I had some opportunities to play elsewhere, but I really wanted to, you know, retire as a Bengal. It meant so much to me playing my whole career here, continuing to live here, and continuing to work with my foundation and expand our impact on Cincinnati for life. Bengal for life,” said Hubbard. I’m so happy with how everything played out.”

Hubbard’s iconic “Hubbard Yard Dash” fumble return against the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 will live in infamy. From watching games as a fan to making historic plays, Hubbard’s career in Cincinnati will be remembered fondly.

"Cincinnatian for life, Bengal for life and I'm so happy with how everything played out."

Sam Hubbard made his first public appearance today after retiring.

He said he had opportunities to play for other organizations, but wanted to retire as a Bengal. pic.twitter.com/84CeB06kWE

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) May 2, 2025