Sam Hubbard Inspires Taft High School Football Team with Surprise Visit

CINCINNATI — Former Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard made a surprise visit to Taft High School‘s football team on Thursday, offering inspiration and a locker room upgrade.

Hubbard, a graduate of Moeller High School and Ohio State, shared his personal journey with players, highlighting the importance of perseverance on and off the field. “I think it would be best to tell you a little bit about my story, how I got here, why I’m still here in Cincinnati,” Hubbard told the enthusiastic team.

During his talk, he reflected on being drafted by the Bengals and the challenges he faced while trying to make weight for the NFL. He emphasized the need for motivation during tough times, saying, “Especially dark days, you gotta trust your foundation, the people around you, know why you’re doing this and who you are.”

Senior linebacker Chayse Mack expressed how Hubbard’s message resonated with him as he manages multiple positions on the team. “Trusting the process is something I’m working on, and hearing his story about working for everything really stuck with me,” he noted.

The visit also served as mental preparation for Taft as they aim to extend their winning streak against rival Mt. Healthy. Senior defensive back Kavontae Ripple found inspiration in Hubbard’s advice, stating, “You just gotta push through those tough days — tough days are not for long. I got a vision board at home, and I look at that every day to push me through my adversity.”

Taft High School collaborates with Hubbard’s initiative, Hubbard’s Cupboards, to provide essential supplies to students. Principal Matt Lizik stressed the relevance of Hubbard’s message, saying, “Our students face a lot of adversity and challenges. That message resonates with them: trust the process. Teachers and staff members are here to support them, and if they keep showing up and trying their best, good things will happen.”

In a further surprise for the students, Hubbard spoke at a pep rally, motivating the school community as they kick off the academic year. Additionally, Old Spice partnered with Hubbard to enhance the team’s locker room, donating the new Old Spice x NFL Collection in preparation for their upcoming rivalry game.