Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard played his entire professional career in the Queen City after retiring earlier this year.If Hubbard wanted to be playing in the NFL still at age 29, he could be. But as he weighed the decision of what came next, the Cincinnati native knew that he wanted to start and end his career with the team he has cheered on since he was a young kid.“I had opportunities to play elsewhere and keep going, but I really wanted to capitalize on this unique opportunity to have grown up here and played (in) one uniform and retire here,” Hubbard told WLWT in an exclusive interview.In the final play of his career, Hubbard caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow in a win over the Tennessee Titans.“I very well knew that after I got injured, that was my last play,” Hubbard said. “That was an emotional, special game, in the locker room after that game and celebrating with teammates. I was spiking the ball with Ted (Karras) out on the field.”Hubbard kept the ball and got Burrow’s jersey from the game.“It was pretty epic. I’m super thankful for it,” Hubbard said.The man known as the Cincinnati Kid knows he won’t be a stranger around the organization this season.“I plan to be around,” Hubbard said. “I’ve talked to some guys at the building. I want to stay close to the organization. Ownership and I still have a great relationship. They’re so good to me.”Hubbard said he plans to attend several games during the 2025 season. He is also continuing to grow the Hubbard’s Cupboard Program, with the goal of being in 70 schools in the next five years.

CINCINNATI —

Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard played his entire professional career in the Queen City after retiring earlier this year.

If Hubbard wanted to be playing in the NFL still at age 29, he could be. But as he weighed the decision of what came next, the Cincinnati native knew that he wanted to start and end his career with the team he has cheered on since he was a young kid.

“I had opportunities to play elsewhere and keep going, but I really wanted to capitalize on this unique opportunity to have grown up here and played (in) one uniform and retire here,” Hubbard told WLWT in an exclusive interview.

In the final play of his career, Hubbard caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow in a win over the Tennessee Titans.

“I very well knew that after I got injured, that was my last play,” Hubbard said. “That was an emotional, special game, in the locker room after that game and celebrating with teammates. I was spiking the ball with Ted (Karras) out on the field.”

Hubbard kept the ball and got Burrow’s jersey from the game.

“It was pretty epic. I’m super thankful for it,” Hubbard said.

The man known as the Cincinnati Kid knows he won’t be a stranger around the organization this season.

“I plan to be around,” Hubbard said. “I’ve talked to some guys at the building. I want to stay close to the organization. Ownership and I still have a great relationship. They’re so good to me.”

Hubbard said he plans to attend several games during the 2025 season. He is also continuing to grow the Hubbard’s Cupboard Program, with the goal of being in 70 schools in the next five years.