The impact of Sam Hubbard goes beyond the football field
Defensive end Sam Hubbard has racked up 29.5 sacks during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, his impact goes beyond the gridiron. Hubbard, a Cincinnati native, has been a pillar in the community since he was drafted in 2018, and for his efforts, he's been selected as the Bengals' nominee for the Walter Payton […]
Defensive end Sam Hubbard has racked up 29.5 sacks during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, his impact goes beyond the gridiron.
Hubbard, a Cincinnati native, has been a pillar in the community since he was drafted in 2018, and for his efforts, he's been selected as the Bengals' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the second consecutive season.
1970 was the inaugural year of this honor. It was renamed after Payton, a Hall of Famer, in 1999 after his untimely death. This award is viewed as the most prestigious that the league has to offer, and it’s given to the player that best exhibits outstanding philanthropy and community service as well as top-level play on the football field.
The former third-round pick established The Sam Hubbard to bring access to food, education, and a healthy lifestyle for all citizens in the city of Cincinnati.
"As an NFL player, I think your on-field performance is just a small part of what your legacy will be when it's all said and done," said Hubbard. "What you do for others, how you treat the people around you, and the lasting impact you leave on your community are just as important as wins and losses."
For being nominated, Hubbard will wear a special decal on his helmet for the rest of the 2022 season. If he's selected as the winner, he will get a patch to wear on his jersey for the rest of his playing days.
Hubbard and the other 31 nominees will be recognized during Super Bowl week in February. The winner will be announced the Thursday before the big game during the NFL Honors ceremony.
Each nominee will receive a donation of up to $40,000 in their name to a charity of their choice. Whoever wins the honor will get up to $250,000 thanks to the NFL Foundation and the awards sponsor Nationwide.
Hubbard will join former NFL MVP Ken Anderson (1975), Reggie Williams (1986), and Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz (1991) as Bengals' winners if he's selected.
Feature image via Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
