Sam Hubbard, the long -time Cincinnati Bengals defensive than, announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. He is only 29 years old and will not be 30 until June.

Hubbard announced his retirement in a statement sent to its social media channels.

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“What’s the next thing? Though it’s the end of my gaming career, I consider this a new beginning,” he said. “A new chapter to explore other business opportunities, further the mission of the Sam Hubbard Foundation, focus on my health and family and also take on a new challenge.

“I want to send a sincere thanks to my teammates, coaches, teachers, support staff, Bengal’s ownership and NFL for all you’ve all done for me. I couldn’t have done any of this alone. To the fans – like Dey Nation – I thank you most; you inspired me. From the years of battle and reluctance to Super Bowl Lvi, you never stopped believing.”

Hubbard was pure ohio through and through.

Cincinnati Bengal’s defensive end Sam Hubbard under the Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, December 15, 2024. (Steve Roberts-Preferred Pictures)

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He was born in Cincinnati, played football in high school for Archbishop Moeller and attended Ohio State. The Bengals chose Hubbard in the third round of 2018 NFL Draft, and he helped anchor a defense that broke the franchise’s Super Bowl performance drought.

Hubbard ends his career with 38.5 sacks and 398 total tackles in 104 career games.

Last season, Hubbard had two sacks and 41 tackles. Cincinnati ended 9-8 and missed narrowly played.

Cincinnati Bengal’s defensive end Sam Hubbard before a game against Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, December 9, 2024. (Tim Heitman-Preferred Pictures)

“To play my whole career in a uniform is incredibly special to me and I am a Bengal for life, have always been and always will be.”