CINCINNATI — Sam Hubbard, defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, is retiring from the NFL after seven years, the team confirmed in a press release.

“Sam always has been and always will be a wonderful part of the Bengals organization and the entire Cincinnati community,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in the release. “Growing up here, he was a top youth athlete on local gridirons and lacrosse fields before becoming a standout football player at Ohio State. We were fortunate to draft him in 2018, and we immediately knew that we added an outstanding player and an even better person to our team.”

Hubbard attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Over his career, the team says he played in 104 regular-season games. He had 298 tackles, 55TFLs and 38.5 sacks.

In a post on social media, Hubbard expressed his thanks.

 “I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, Bengals ownership, and the NFL for everything you all have done for me,” he wrote. “I could not have done any of this alone. To the fans — Who Dey Nation — I thank you the most; you inspired me. From the years of struggle and adversity to Super Bowl LVI, you never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.”

The team also acknowledged his contributions off the field, highlighting his Sam Hubbard Foundation which focuses on providing access to food, education and a healthy lifestyle to everyone in the community.

“He launched several community-based events and initiatives, highlighted by Hubbard’s Cupboards, the annual Fowling Tournament and The Sam Hubbard Youth Football Camp,” the release reads. “He was recognized as the Bengals’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2021 and ’22.”

Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor said he is grateful for Hubbard’s role as a team leader.

“Sam brought a championship mindset to work every single day with his dedication, commitment and passion for the game,” he said in the release. “He has proven to be a winner at every level of his career and helped get the most out of his teammates. Sam embraced his Cincinnati roots and created a lasting legacy on and off the field. I am certain he will continue to find success with everything the future brings for him.”