Sam Hubbard (born June 29, 1995) is an American professional football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State, and was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Sam Hubbard
refer to caption
Hubbard with the Bengals in 2018
No. 94 – Cincinnati Bengals
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1995-06-29) June 29, 1995 (age 29)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High school:Archbishop Moeller
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
College:Ohio State (2014–2017)
NFL draft:2018 / round: 3 / pick: 77
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 5, 2024
Total tackles:378
Sacks:37.5
Forced fumbles:5
Fumble recoveries:5
Pass deflections:14
Defensive touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Hubbard attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.[1] Hubbard played the position of Safety in high school, and as a senior, had 109 tackles and five interceptions. He was rated as a five-star recruit by Scout.com and committed to Ohio State University to play college football.[2][3] Hubbard also played lacrosse in high school, and was at one time committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college lacrosse.[4]

College career

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Hubbard redshirted his first year at Ohio State in 2014.[5][6] As a redshirt freshman in 2015, he played in all 13 games and had 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks.[7] As a redshirt sophomore in 2016, he started all 13 games and had 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks.[8][9] Hubbard played in 14 games in 2017 as a redshirt junior and had 42 tackles along with a career high seven sacks.[10] Hubbard declared for the 2018 NFL draft on December 30, 2017.[11]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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On December 30, 2017, Hubbard released a statement on Twitter announcing his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.[12] He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the 40-yard dash and bench press. Hubbard participated in linebacker and defensive end drills at the combine.[13] On March 22, 2018, he participated at Ohio State's pro day and performed positional drills, the 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Hubbard was projected to be a first or second round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the third best defensive end in the draft by DraftScout.com, was ranked the fourth best defensive end by Scouts Inc., and was also ranked the fifth best edge rusher in the draft by Sports Illustrated.[14][15][16]

External videos
  Sam Hubbard's NFL Combine Workout
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 5+38 in
(1.97 m)
270 lb
(122 kg)
33+18 in
(0.84 m)
10 in
(0.25 m)
4.95 s 1.69 s 2.87 s 4.32 s 6.84 s 35 in
(0.89 m)
9 ft 8 in
(2.95 m)
16 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Ohio State's Pro Day[17][18]

2018

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The Cincinnati Bengals selected Hubbard in the third round with the 77th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.[19] Hubbard was the seventh defensive end drafted in 2018.[20]

External videos
  Bengals draft Sam Hubbard 77th overall

On June 21, 2018, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Hubbard to a four-year, $3.61 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $929,200.[21]

On September 13, Hubbard recorded his first-career sack against the Baltimore Ravens, bringing down Joe Flacco for a loss of 11 yards in the 34–23 victory.[22] In a Week 5 victory over the Miami Dolphins, he recorded a 19-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.[23] As a rookie, he totaled 39 total tackles, nine quarterback hits, seven tackles-for-loss, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.[24]

2019

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In the Bengals' 2019 regular season opener, Hubbard recorded two sacks and a career-best 10 tackles in the 21–20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.[25] In Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Hubbard sacked rookie quarterback Kyler Murray once in the 26–23 loss.[26] In Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, Hubbard recorded a team high six tackles and sacked Baker Mayfield 1.5 times during the 33–23 win.[27] In the 2019 season, he appeared in and started 15 games. He finished with 8.5 sacks, 76 total tackles (46 solo), three passes defended, and one forced fumble.[28]

2020

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In Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hubbard recorded his first sack of the season on Carson Wentz during the 23–23 tie game.[29] He suffered an elbow injury in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 15, 2020.[30] He was activated on November 14, 2020.[31] He started and appeared in 13 games. He recorded two sacks, 62 total tackles (33 solo), three passes defended, and one forced fumble.[32]

2021

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On July 25, 2021, Hubbard signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension with the Bengals.[33] Hubbard had a 2.5-sack game against the Ravens in Week 7, a 41–17 victory.[34] In the 2021 season, Hubbard finished with 7.5 sacks, 62 total tackles (33 solo), three passes defended, and one forced fumble.[35]

In the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hubbard strip sacked Patrick Mahomes in the red zone which forced the Chiefs to kick a field goal to tie the game and send the Bengals into overtime in the eventual 27–24 win.[36] In Super Bowl LVI, Hubbard had eight total tackles against the Los Angeles Rams in the 23–20 loss.[37]

2022

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In the 2022 season, Hubbard finished with 6.5 sacks, 60 total tackles (34 solo), three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 15 games and starts.[38]

On January 15, 2023, in the Wild Card Round against the Ravens, Hubbard scored a 98-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter off of a fumble by Tyler Huntley that was forced by Logan Wilson. This became the longest fumble return touchdown in NFL postseason history,[39] as well as the longest touchdown in Bengals playoff history, and the longest go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter in NFL playoff history.[40] It has since been nicknamed the "Fumble in the Jungle."[41] This play proved to be the deciding factor in the game, as the Bengals went on to win 24–17.[42]

Personal life

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In 2021, Hubbard incorporated the Sam Hubbard Foundation.[43] In recognition of his support for his community the Bengals selected him as their nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2021 and 2022.[44]

Career statistics

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Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD
2018 CIN 16 0 39 27 12 6.0 1 1 19 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
2019 CIN 15 15 76 46 30 8.5 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
2020 CIN 13 13 62 33 29 2.0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
2021 CIN 16 16 62 33 29 7.5 1 2 43 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
2022 CIN 15 15 60 34 26 6.5 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
2023 CIN 15 15 58 38 20 6.0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 87 71 349 206 143 35.5 5 4 62 1 14 0 0 0 0 0

Playoffs

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Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD
2021 CIN 4 4 22 13 9 3.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
2022 CIN 3 3 7 4 3 1.0 0 2 98 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 7 7 29 17 12 4.0 0 2 98 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

References

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  1. ^ Ward, Austin (November 17, 2016). "Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard's long, strange road to pass-rushing success". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  2. ^ "Sam Hubbard, Cincinnati Bengals, Strong-Side Defensive End". 24/7 Sports. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  3. ^ Wasserman, Ari (January 29, 2014). "Cincinnati LB, Ohio State commit Sam Hubbard's recruiting snapshot: National Signing Day 2014". Cleveland.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  4. ^ Wasserman, Ari (November 14, 2013). "Once committed to Notre Dame for lacrosse, Ohio State LB commit Sam Hubbard emerging as top football prospect: Buckeyes recruiting". Cleveland.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  5. ^ Dyer, Mike (January 6, 2015). "Ohio State has significant plans for redshirt freshman Sam Hubbard". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  6. ^ Lesmerises, Doug (December 12, 2014). "Ohio State's redshirt legend, Sam Hubbard: 'Hopefully, I can live up to it'". Cleveland.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  7. ^ Jablonski, David (August 24, 2016). "Sam Hubbard ready to be starter for Ohio State Buckeyes". My Dayton Daily News. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  8. ^ May, Tim (May 6, 2017). "Sam Hubbard banking on big fourth year". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  9. ^ Ward, Austin (November 17, 2016). "Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard's long, strange road to pass-rushing success". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  10. ^ "Sam Hubbard College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  11. ^ "Former Moeller star and OSU standout Hubbard going to the NFL". Cincinnati.com. December 30, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  12. ^ Goodbread, Chase (December 30, 2018). "Ohio State's Sam Hubbard intends to enter the 2018 NFL Draft". NFL.com. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  13. ^ Tamanini, Matt (March 2, 2018). "Everything you need to know about Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard". Land-Grant Holy Land. SB Nation. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  14. ^ "*Sam Hubbard, DS #3 DE, Ohio State". draftscout.com. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  15. ^ "Sam Hubbard". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 22, 2018.[dead link]
  16. ^ "The 2018 NFL Draft Big Board, Vol. 2". si.com. March 7, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  17. ^ "Sam Hubbard Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  18. ^ "2018 NFL Draft Scout Sam Hubbard College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  19. ^ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  20. ^ Marcum, Jason (April 27, 2018). "Cincinnati Bengals select Sam Hubbard in Round 3". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  21. ^ "Spotrac.com: Sam Hubbard contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  22. ^ Toback, Rebecca (September 14, 2018). "Sam Hubbard's first NFL game in his hometown stadium was one to remember". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  23. ^ Page, Fletcher (October 7, 2018). "2018 Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Johnson, Sam Hubbard TDs help fuel comeback victory". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  24. ^ "Sam Hubbard 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  25. ^ "Bengals' Sam Hubbard: Notches two sacks in loss". CBSSports.com. September 9, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  26. ^ "Kyler Murray leads Cardinals to 1st win, 26-23 over Bengals". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
  27. ^ "Fond farewell: Andy Dalton leads Bengals over Browns 33-23". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  28. ^ "Sam Hubbard 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  29. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles - September 27th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  30. ^ "Sam Hubbard Placed On Reserve/Injured". Bengals.com. October 15, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  31. ^ "Hubbard, Phillips, Ross Among Bengals Player Moves Ahead Of Week 10 At Pittsburgh". Bengals.com. November 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  32. ^ "Sam Hubbard 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  33. ^ "Sam Hubbard, Bengals agree to 4-year, $40 million extension". NFL.com. July 25, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  34. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens - October 24th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  35. ^ "Sam Hubbard 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  36. ^ "AFC Championship - Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs - January 30th, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  37. ^ "Super Bowl LVI - Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals - February 13th, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  38. ^ "Sam Hubbard 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  39. ^ "Bengals' Sam Hubbard sets record with 98-yard fumble recovery for touchdown". New York Post. Associated Press. January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  40. ^ "Bengals' Sam Hubbard records historic 98-yard fumble return TD vs. Ravens on Super Wild Card Weekend". CBSSports.com. January 16, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  41. ^ Weintraub, Robert (January 19, 2023). "The "Fumble in the Jungle" Lifts the Bengals". Cincinnati Magazine. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  42. ^ "Wild Card - Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - January 15th, 2023". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  43. ^ "The Sam Hubbard Foundation". The Sam Hubbard Foundation. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  44. ^ "Hubbard Nominated For Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award". Bengals.com. December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
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