Sam Hubbard: The Cincinnati Kid Dominating On the Field and Lifting Up His Hometown
Sam Hubbard: The Cincinnati Kid Dominating On the Field and Lifting Up His Hometown
Cincinnati isn’t just a city on the Ohio River—it’s a community that rallies behind its own. Few embody that spirit better than Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, a homegrown talent who’s become synonymous with grit, leadership, and giving back. From sacking quarterbacks to lifting up local families, Hubbard’s story is as authentically Cincy as Skyline Chili.
Born and Bred in the 513
Hubbard’s roots run deep in Cincinnati. A standout at Moeller High School, where he led the Crusaders to back-to-back state championships, he quickly became a local legend. Though he briefly traded Ohio for lacrosse at Notre Dame, destiny called him back home. After transferring to Ohio State, where he switched to football and dominated as a Buckeye, the Bengals drafted him in 2018—a full-circle moment for the kid who grew up cheering for the striped helmet.
The Play That Cemented His Legacy
Ask any Bengals fan about Hubbard, and they’ll light up recounting January 15, 2022. In a pivotal playoff clash against the Las Vegas Raiders, with 12 seconds left, Hubbard scooped a fumble and sprinted 98 yards for a game-winning touchdown—the longest scoring play in postseason history. The roar of Paycor Stadium that night wasn’t just about a win; it was pride for one of their own delivering when it mattered most.
But Hubbard’s impact isn’t confined to highlight reels. With 34.5 career sacks and relentless hustle, he’s the backbone of a defense that’s propelled Cincinnati to two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl LVI appearance. Teammates call him the “glue guy”—a leader who sets the tone without needing the spotlight.
Off the Field: A Hometown Hero’s Heart
While Hubbard’s tackles make headlines, his quiet work off the field leaves a lasting mark. Through the Sam Hubbard Foundation, launched in 2021, he’s tackled challenges close to his hometown’s heart:
- First Responder Support: Partnering with local fire departments, he’s donated over $250,000 for life-saving equipment, including AEDs for every Cincinnati firehouse.
- Hubbard’s Heroes: This program surprises underprivileged kids with game-day experiences, mentorship, and scholarships. “Seeing their smiles—that’s my ‘why,’” he told The Enquirer.
- Children’s Hospital Visits: Monthly trips to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, often with therapy dogs in tow, have become a ritual. “Those kids teach me about courage,” he says.
Why Cincinnati Loves Its Kid
Hubbard’s authenticity resonates in a city that values hard work and humility. He still trains at Moeller’s gym in the offseason, grabs coffee at Blackstone downtown, and volunteers at food drives. “This city raised me,” he said at a fundraiser last fall. “Whatever I can do to lift it up, I will.”
His commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Bengals nominated him for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award—an honor reflecting excellence on and off the field.
The Legacy of a Local Icon
At 28, Hubbard’s story is still unfolding. But in Cincinnati, he’s already more than an athlete—he’s proof that hometown pride can fuel greatness. Whether he’s chasing down Patrick Mahomes or reading to kids at the Public Library, Hubbard represents the best of what sports can be: a platform to unite and uplift.
As the Bengals chase another Super Bowl run, one thing’s certain: No matter how far they go, Sam Hubbard’s heart will always be in the 513.
