Bengals: Hometown hero reaches legendary status in franchise history
Cincinnati Bengals fans will remember defensive end Sam Hubbard running down the field for a 98-yard go-ahead touchdown in the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens for years to come. Regardless of the final outcome of the game (as I type this, the Bengals still lead 24-17), Hubbard earned a special place in the history of […]
Cincinnati Bengals fans will remember defensive end Sam Hubbard running down the field for a 98-yard go-ahead touchdown in the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens for years to come.
Regardless of the final outcome of the game (as I type this, the Bengals still lead 24-17), Hubbard earned a special place in the history of the franchise after that play. After bending and bending time again, the defense had its back against the wall at their own one-yard line.
As quarterback Tyler Huntley, who had just broken out a 35-yard run a few plays before, dove for the end zone, he seemed to stop midair for the longest time before linebacker Logan Wilson punched out the football.
That could've been it. The Ravens could've recovered and taken the three points on fourth and goal. Or the Bengals could've recovered and started their offensive drive from inside their own ten-yard line.
But Sam Hubbard had other plans, including reaching legendary status in Bengals' lore.
What makes it even better is knowing that Hubbard is a Cincinnati kid; born and raised. He attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He played at Ohio State. His work with the community has earned him back-to-back Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominations.
It couldn't have happened to a more fitting player. As if that football was Mjölnir and Sam Hubbard was Thor, the Bengals defensive end was the one worthy of picking it up and returning it for 98 yards.
Featured image Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
