Cincinnati’s defensive winger of Bengals, Sam Hubbard, announced his retirement at the age of 29 – three months after a serious knee injury ended his early season.
Hubbard, who spent seven years in Cincinnati, hangs up his crampons at the back of the injury of the posterior cruciate ligament he suffered in December.
“In my heart, I know that I gave this match, this team and this city everything I had,” he said in a shock statement on Wednesday. “This is why today, with great pride, I announce that I go from my player career in the NFL and enter the next chapter of my life.”
The former Ohio State star spent the entire NFL seven -year career with Bengals after being selected by the team with the 77th choice in total in the third round of the 2018 draft.
He became a franchise icon during his 87 appearances for Cincinnati, in which he recorded 349 plated and 35.5 bags.
Hubbard was appointed by the team for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year of the NFL twice after having set up its charitable organization, SAM Hubbard Foundation – which aims to provide fair access to food, education and a healthy lifestyle to the inhabitants of the city.
The defensive winger of the Bengals of Cincinnati, Sam Hubbard, announced his retirement at the age of 29
“This city gave me a goal beyond football,” he said in his statement. “Thanks to the SAM Hubbard Foundation, I tried to lift Cincinnati as you raised me.
“Your support and the impact we have together showed me that the community and love prevail over any trophy. Being nominated twice for the Walter Payton Man of the Year price is my most proud accomplishment. I will not go anywhere and we are always just starting.
Hubbard also added: “What is the next step?” Although this is the end of my player career, I consider it a new start. A new chapter to explore other commercial opportunities, continue the mission of Sam Hubbard Foundation, focus on my health and family and also take up new challenges.
“I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, ownership of Bengals and the NFL for everything you have all done for me. I could not have done all this alone.
“To fans – who dey nation – thank you the most; You inspired me. Since the years of struggle and adversity at the Super Bowl LVI, you have never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.
“Playing my whole career in a uniform is incredibly special for me, and I am a Bengal for life, I have always been and I will always be.
