CINCINNATI — He may not wear the uniform anymore, but Sam Hubbard will always be a Bengal.

The Bengals announced Tuesday that their former captain will be Ruler of the Jungle for the team's home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 14 at Paycor Stadium.

You asked, The Jungle answered. Sam Hubbard is your Ruler. pic.twitter.com/l21RoYhzh4 — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 9, 2025

A Cincinnati native, Hubbard played at Moeller and Ohio State before spending his entire NFL career with his hometown team. After seven years with the Bengals, the 30-year-old announced his retirement in March.

"As a kid growing up in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati has always been, and will always be, home to my family and me," Hubbard said in his retirement announcement. "I bled orange

See Full Page