Career Timeline of Sam Hubbard: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Sam Hubbard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sam Hubbard is a former professional football defensive end who played his entire 7-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Prior to his NFL career, he played college football at Ohio State. Hubbard was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Played in all 13 games

In 2015, as a redshirt freshman, Sam Hubbard played in all 13 games for Ohio State, recording 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

2016: Started all 13 games

In 2016, as a redshirt sophomore, Sam Hubbard started all 13 games for Ohio State and had 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

December 30, 2017: Declared for the 2018 NFL draft

On December 30, 2017, Sam Hubbard declared for the 2018 NFL draft.

March 22, 2018: Participated at Ohio State's Pro Day

On March 22, 2018, Hubbard participated at Ohio State's pro day, performing positional drills, the 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash.

June 21, 2018: Signed with the Bengals

On June 21, 2018, Sam Hubbard signed a four-year, $3.61 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

2018: Top NFL Rookies

As of March 5, 2025, Hubbard ranked fourth among all players in the 2018 rookie class with 38.5 career sacks

2018: Drafted by the Bengals

In 2018, Sam Hubbard was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the NFL draft.

2018: Declared for the 2018 NFL draft

Sam Hubbard declared for the 2018 NFL draft on December 30, 2017

2019: Recorded two sacks and 10 tackles in season opener

During the 2019 season opener, Sam Hubbard recorded two sacks and a career-best 10 tackles in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He ended the 2019 season with 8.5 sacks and 76 total tackles.

November 14, 2020: Activated from injured reserve

On November 14, 2020, Sam Hubbard was activated from injured reserve.

July 25, 2021: Signed contract extension with Bengals

On July 25, 2021, Sam Hubbard signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals.

2021: Incorporated the Sam Hubbard Foundation

In 2021, Sam Hubbard incorporated the Sam Hubbard Foundation.

2022: Recorded 6.5 sacks and 60 total tackles

In the 2022 season, Sam Hubbard finished with 6.5 sacks and 60 total tackles.

January 15, 2023: Scored 98-yard TD in Wild Card Round

On January 15, 2023, in the Wild Card Round against the Ravens, Sam Hubbard scored a 98-yard touchdown off of a fumble recovery, setting an NFL postseason record. It was named "Fumble in the Jungle".

2023: Played in 15 games

During the 2023 season, Sam Hubbard played in 15 games and had six sacks, 58 tackles, and two fumble recoveries.

December 15, 2024: Scored first career offensive touchdown

On December 15, 2024, in Cincinnati's game against the Tennessee Titans, Sam Hubbard scored his first career offensive touchdown on a two–yard reception.