ℹ Key Takeaways
- Made NFL history with 98-yard fumble return touchdown in 2023 playoffs
- Spent entire 7-year NFL career as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end
- Founded Sam Hubbard Foundation to fight food insecurity in Cincinnati
- Recently married longtime girlfriend Jessica Koehler in spring 2025
- Retired at 30 after PCL injury, transitioning to community leadership
In the fourth quarter of a playoff game that would define Cincinnati sports history, Sam Hubbard scooped up a fumble at his own two-yard line and sprinted 98 yards for a touchdown. The longest fumble return in NFL playoff history wasn’t just a record—it was the culmination of a hometown hero’s career that began in the same city where it would reach its pinnacle.
Sam Hubbard is 30 years old and recently retired from professional football after seven seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals defensive end. Born on June 29, 1995, Hubbard represents something rare in modern professional sports: an elite athlete who never left home, building his entire career in the city where he grew up watching games from the stands.
Early Life and Formative Years: The Foundations of an NFL Star
Birth and Family Roots
Sam Hubbard was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to parents Jim and Amy Hubbard. His father worked as a lawyer and banker, while his mother served as a nurse at University Hospital. Sam Hubbard does have a brother—an older brother named Jake—along with his sister Madison, creating a close-knit family environment that would prove essential to his development.
The Hubbard household buzzed with activity, but Jim and Amy made deliberate choices about where to raise their children. Amy wanted the kids near her sisters and their children, creating a tight network of cousins within walking distance of each other. This decision to stay rooted in Cincinnati Ohio hometown would become a recurring theme throughout Sam’s life.
Childhood, Education, and Early Passions
At Archbishop Moeller High School, Hubbard excelled as a safety, recording 109 tackles and five interceptions during his senior season. His versatility extended beyond football—he was also a standout lacrosse player, skilled enough to earn a commitment to the University of Notre Dame for lacrosse. Major recruiting services rated him as a high-end four-star recruit, recognizing his exceptional athletic ability across multiple sports.
A gym class encounter with Urban Meyer changed everything. The chance meeting diverted Hubbard’s path from Notre Dame lacrosse to Ohio State University football, a decision that would prove transformative for the future Cincinnati native football player.
The Ascent to Stardom: Breakthrough Moments and Initial Impact
Entry into Professional Football and Early Challenges
At Ohio State, Hubbard redshirted his first year in 2014 before making an immediate impact as a redshirt freshman in 2015. He appeared in all 13 games, recording 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks—impressive numbers for a first-year player adapting to the defensive end position after playing safety in high school.
His Ohio State Buckeyes football career steadily progressed. As a redshirt sophomore in 2016, he started all 13 games with 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His junior year in 2017 marked his breakthrough season, playing in 14 games with 42 tackles and a career-high seven sacks. His leadership qualities were also evident at the collegiate level, where he was named a team captain for the Buckeyes during his standout 2017 season.
Hubbard earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017, recognizing his outstanding performance during his final college season. He was also part of the Ohio State team that won the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship during his redshirt freshman year, establishing his credentials as a winner from the start of his collegiate career.
The Defining Breakthrough Moment
On December 30, 2017, Hubbard announced his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Draft experts projected him as a first or second-round selection, with DraftScout.com ranking him as the third-best defensive end in the draft class.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Hubbard with the 77th overall pick in the third round—making him a third round draft pick who would exceed all expectations. He became the seventh defensive end drafted in 2018, but his impact would far exceed what his draft position suggested.
The family celebration was extraordinary. Madison Hubbard coordinated orders for 164 customized Sam Hubbard jerseys from family and friends across the country—an unprecedented number that amazed even Bengals Pro Shop staff.
Defining Works and Career Evolution: A Trajectory of Influence
Major Projects and Achievements
Sam Hubbard signed a four-year, $3.61 million rookie contract with a $929,200 signing bonus. His first career sack came against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, 2018, bringing down Joe Flacco for an 11-yard loss in a 34-23 victory.
His rookie statistics established him as a key contributor: 6 sacks, 39 total tackles, nine quarterback hits, seven tackles-for-loss, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. These defensive end NFL statistics validated the Bengals’ decision to draft the hometown talent.
The 2019 season saw continued growth, with Hubbard finishing with 8.5 sacks and 76 total tackles across 15 games. On July 25, 2021, Hubbard signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension—a deal that reflected both his value to the organization and his commitment to Cincinnati.
Career Development and Evolution
Sam Hubbard served as team captain for his final four seasons (2021-2024), a role that reflected his teammates’ respect and trust. During this period, he helped lead the Bengals to back-to-back AFC North Division titles, consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, and a berth in Super Bowl LVI.
As a pass rusher sack leader for the Bengals defensive line, Hubbard’s impact extended beyond statistics. His playoff performance was consistently strong: 29 tackles, four sacks, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries across seven postseason games.
The Legendary 98-Yard Run: Making History
January 15, 2023, will forever be remembered in Cincinnati sports history. In the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens, with the Bengals trailing in the fourth quarter, Tyler Huntley fumbled near the Cincinnati goal line.
What happened next defied belief. Hubbard scooped up the fumble at the two-yard line and rumbled 98 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. The run became the longest fumble return touchdown in NFL playoff history, the longest touchdown in Bengals playoff history, and the longest go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter in NFL playoff history.
The play, nicknamed the “Fumble in the Jungle,” represented more than just a record-breaking moment. For this Ohio State football alumni, it symbolized the culmination of years of dedication and proof that Cincinnati could produce championship-level moments. The play’s significance was further cemented when it won the ESPY Award for Best Play at the 2023 ceremony, a globally recognized honor in sports.
Relationships and Family Life
Is Sam Hubbard married? Yes, Sam Hubbard married Jessica Koehler in the spring of 2025, following their engagement announcement in May 2024. The couple met during their time at Ohio State University and maintained a private relationship that began around 2016. Jessica Koehler, originally from Chicago, works as an area sales manager at Artemis Distribution.
Their engagement in May 2024 was announced through Hubbard’s Instagram account, featuring a photo of his proposal against the Cincinnati skyline with the caption “I’m a lucky man.” Does Sam Hubbard have kids? No, the couple does not have children as of 2025.
Sam Hubbard’s family includes his parents Jim and Amy, older brother Jake, and sister Madison. The Sam Hubbard family maintained strong Cincinnati ties throughout his career, with his parents holding season tickets at Paul Brown Stadium.
Maintaining Privacy and Public Image
Despite being in the public eye, Sam Hubbard and Jessica maintained their privacy while supporting each other’s professional endeavors. Jessica often attended Cincinnati Bengals games, sometimes joining other players’ partners like Joe Burrow’s girlfriend Olivia Holzmacher.
Sam Hubbard’s height is listed at 6’5″ (196 cm) and he weighs 265 lbs (120 kg), making him an imposing presence on the Bengals defensive line. His physical attributes, combined with his football intelligence, made him a valuable asset to the Cincinnati Bengals roster.
Beyond the Craft: Philanthropy, Activism, and Social Impact
Community Involvement and Foundation Work
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam Hubbard witnessed a news report that the Freestore Food Bank of Cincinnati was just two weeks away from running out of food. His immediate response led to the creation of a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $85,000 and provided more than 250,000 meals.
This moment sparked the formal creation of the Sam Hubbard Foundation in 2021. The foundation’s mission focuses on bringing equitable access to food, education, and healthy lifestyles to all Cincinnati residents, addressing food insecurity as its primary concern.
Tangible Contributions and Impact
In recognition of his exceptional community service, particularly the rapid impact of his foundation, the Cincinnati Bengals nominated Hubbard for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in both 2021 and 2022. Key foundation programs include Hubbard’s Cupboards (with a goal of 70 locations by 2030), an annual Fowling Tournament, and The Sam Hubbard Youth Football Camp.
His community work demonstrates how Ohio State to Cincinnati Bengals athletes can leverage their platform for meaningful social impact.
Accolades, Honors, and Enduring Influence
Major Awards and Recognition
Sam Hubbard’s career achievements extend beyond football statistics. At Ohio State, he earned Academic All-Big Ten honors three consecutive years (2015, 2016, 2017) and Academic All-American recognition in 2017. His finance major demonstrated intellectual curiosity that would later serve him in business ventures.
His college career was marked by significant team success, including being part of the 2014 National Championship team and earning individual recognition with Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017. These achievements established him as both an accomplished student-athlete and a proven winner.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Bengals legends welcomed Hubbard to their ranks with enthusiasm. Ken Anderson, the team’s first NFL Man of the Year Award winner, praised Hubbard’s impact: “He’s made Moeller proud, he’s made Ohio State proud, he’s made Cincinnati proud.”
What happened with Sam Hubbard represents more than just a successful football career ending. His story demonstrates that elite athletes can build meaningful legacies without chasing opportunities elsewhere, proving that loyalty and community commitment can coexist with professional excellence.
Current Status and Retirement
The Decision to Retire
The 2024 season proved challenging for Sam Hubbard. He recorded career-low numbers with just 2.0 sacks, three tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits across 14 games. A PCL injury against the Tennessee Titans on December 15, 2024, ended his season prematurely.
On March 5, 2025, Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from professional football after seven NFL seasons. His career statistics—398 total tackles, 55 tackles for loss, 38.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 16 passes defended, one interception, and three touchdowns—tell only part of his story.
Future Endeavors
Did Sam Hubbard get married? Yes, he married Jessica Koehler in the spring of 2025, beginning a new chapter as a Cincinnati civilian. The timing allows him to focus entirely on his foundation work and explore business opportunities with his finance background.
His foundation continues growing toward its goal of 70 Hubbard’s Cupboards by 2030, ensuring his impact will endure long after his final sack. The Sam Hubbard Foundation remains his primary focus as he transitions from professional athlete to community leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sam Hubbard is 30 years old, born on June 29, 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Yes, Sam Hubbard married Jessica Koehler in the spring of 2025 after announcing their engagement in May 2024.
Sam Hubbard played college football at Ohio State University from 2014-2017 as part of the Ohio State Buckeyes football program.
Sam Hubbard played his entire seven-year NFL career (2018-2024) for the Cincinnati Bengals before retiring in March 2025.
Yes, Sam Hubbard has an older brother named Jake and a sister named Madison.
Does Sam Hubbard have kids? No, Sam Hubbard does not have children as of 2025.
What happened with Sam Hubbard? Sam Hubbard retired from the NFL on March 5, 2025, after suffering a PCL injury in December 2024 and seven successful seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Enduring Narrative of Sam Hubbard
Sam Hubbard proved that sometimes the greatest victories come not from leaving home, but from elevating the place that made you. In a sports world obsessed with free agency and market chasing, he chose loyalty, community, and purpose—creating a legacy that transcends football.
At 30 years old, Hubbard enters retirement with his health intact, his reputation unblemished, and his community work expanding. His story as a Cincinnati native football player who became a Cincinnati Bengals defensive end establishes a template for the modern athlete-citizen.
Sam Hubbard’s impact extends far beyond his NFL defensive statistics or his role on the Cincinnati Bengals roster. He demonstrated that elite athletes can build meaningful legacies while staying true to their roots, making him not just a football player, but a Cincinnati icon whose influence will endure for generations.
