Exclusive Interview: Sam Hubbard Talks Health, Injuries to Joe Burrow, DJ Reader and Much More

Defensive end Sam Hubbard is a veteran leader of the Bengals' defense. Hubbard is concluding another solid campaign that sees the former Ohio State standout total 60-plus tackles and five-plus sacks. Injuries derailed the Bengals’ 2023 campaign, but Hubbard has remained as consistent as ever.

He recently joined All Bengals for an exclusive conversation while discussing his partnership with Campbell’s Chunky and the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Hubbard explained how injuries to Joe Burrow and DJ Reader impacted this season, how he’s managed to remain as productive as ever, rumors of him potentially undergoing offseason surgery, and more.

Check out the entire conversation: 

JM: You’ve teamed up with Campbell’s Chunky to host a food donation event at Freestore Foodbank as part of the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. The program is designed to fight food inequality. Why is this cause so important to you and your family?

Sam Hubbard: This is the second year in a row that I’ve teamed up with Chunky Sacks Hunger for this terrific initiative. I was very proud to continue our partnership in helping feed hungry families in our local community. I love giving back to the Cincinnati community that has given me so much.

JM: You’re doing a great job helping fight food insecurity in Cincinnati. That was a difficult loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday that officially eliminated the Bengals from postseason contention. What was the message in the locker room following the defeat?

Sam Hubbard: It was a tough loss, for sure. That was essentially a playoff game for us. It was a must-win game. We still have a winning season on the line to fight for. We’re 8-8 and we’d like to finish the season above .500. We have a game against a divisional rival on Sunday. We want to win every game within the AFC North, especially this one. We want to finish our season on a high note and have some momentum going into our offseason.

JM: How difficult of a season has this been on the team, having to deal with the adversity that was Joe Burrow’s injury?

Sam Hubbard: It was a tough year. This isn’t how we drew it up, not at all. That’s life in the NFL. You’re unfortunately going to have some seasons like this one. We’ll take it and learn from it. We have to regroup this offseason and get healthy. We need to come back next season ready to make a run. It’s about getting back to where we want to be, and that’s competing for Super Bowls.

JM: What did DJ Reader’s loss mean to the defense? He’s a leader on that side of the ball.

Sam Hubbard: There’s no denying that we greatly missed his presence. He’s a great player and an even better leader. Watching him go down was very tough for us. It’s never easy to watch one of your guys go down. That was definitely true of Reader.

JM: You’ve been as productive as ever here in your sixth season. What’s been your secret to achieving long-term success in a league that as you know, can move on from aging veterans so quickly?

Sam Hubbard: There’s no doubt about that. I think it’s all about day in, day out consistency. Despite what’s going on around you, it’s about sticking to the plan and what got you to where you are. I’m big on being the same person every single day. I bring the same attitude and work ethic every day.

There are ups-and-downs. It’s about being reliable. I’m the veteran presence now. That goes a long way for my teammates and our locker room. I’m happy to be where I am.

JM: How do you think your pass rush arsenal has evolved from then to now?

Sam Hubbard: When I first entered the league, I thought I had been trained pretty well by [Ohio State defensive line] coach [Larry] Johnson. You learn pretty quickly that guys in the NFL are bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter. You have to find new ways to set up pass rushing moves and plans to work later in the game.

You need to develop yourself physically to threaten offensive tackles with power and speed. That’s a process that takes years to mature physically. Adding power to your arsenal, working off that and setting up other moves, all of those things are key to developing a more diverse arsenal. It’s about responding to what the defense calls for. There’s a different level of understanding the game that takes time and crucial reps.

JM: I love that. Coach Lou Anarumo has had another terrific season as your defensive coordinator. Do you think he should be in the mix for a head coaching gig this offseason?

Sam Hubbard: Yeah, no question. I think coach Lou has earned the right to be in those conversations. He’s a great coach. I’ve been with him for five years now. I think he deserves as much as anybody to get that opportunity. How he carries himself and how players respond to him in today’s game, I think he’d do very well with that opportunity.

JM: Who are the three best defensive ends in the league right now in your opinion?

Sam Hubbard: I’d have to go with Nick Bosa, who’s a former teammate of mine. I’d add Trey Hendrickson to that list. He’s a current teammate who’s having another terrific season. Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and Micah Parsons are in that mix. There are a lot of great players out there.

JM: That’s a great list. Who’s the toughest player you’ve ever had to tackle in the NFL.

Sam Hubbard: That’s a tough question. I’ve had to tackle a lot of great players. I’d probably say Lamar Jackson. He’s just so elusive.

JM: We've appreciated your time. Thank you for the excellent work you’re doing with Chunky Sacks Hunger to help fight food inequality. In closing, I’ve heard that you may be undergoing offseason surgery. Is that in the plans?

Sam Hubbard: Yeah, I talked about it after the Chiefs game. I shouldn’t have said anything. I don’t necessarily want to talk about injuries. I’m going to play on Sunday and finish this season strongly. I’ll then do what has to be done in the offseason in order to get healthy for next season.