Chris Hubbard Bio
Christopher E. Hubbard, born on April 23, 1991, is an American professional football offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 295 pounds, he currently plays for the Detroit Lions. Hubbard is best known for his work as a reliable offensive lineman across multiple franchises, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants. His career, which began as an undrafted free agent in 2013, has been marked by perseverance and steady development at the tackle position.
Over more than a decade in the league, Hubbard has appeared in 102 NFL games with 61 starts as of the 2024 season. He has built a reputation as a versatile and durable lineman capable of starting at both tackle and guard. His journey from undrafted rookie to multi-year starter has made him a respected figure among teammates and coaches alike.
Early Life and Background
Christopher E. Hubbard was born in Columbus, Georgia, on April 23, 1991. He grew up in the same city and attended George Washington Carver High School, where he developed into one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the state. Hubbard played left tackle during his junior and senior seasons, anchoring a powerful offensive line that led the team to an impressive 26–3 combined record during those two years.
During his senior campaign, Hubbard helped lead Carver to the 2007 Georgia High School Association Class AAA state championship. He was recognized for his performance with selections to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer All-City team and the Associated Press Class AAA first-team All-State team. In a remarkable display of run-blocking ability, Hubbard recorded 77 pancake blocks during his final high school season, a stat that highlighted his physicality and finishing strength in the trenches.
Hubbard’s high school success drew attention from college scouts, and he ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, commonly known as UAB. His upbringing in Columbus and his family roots in Georgia helped shape his blue-collar work ethic, which would later define his professional approach to the game.
Path to American Football
Hubbard’s path to the NFL began at the collegiate level with the UAB Blazers, where he played from 2009 to 2012. Despite joining a program that was still building its reputation, he quickly made an impact. As a freshman in 2009, he was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team, an early sign of his potential as a top-tier offensive lineman.
Hubbard continued to develop throughout his college career, earning consistent playing time at tackle. His work in the UAB strength and conditioning program, along with technical coaching from the Blazers staff, helped him grow into a pro-style offensive tackle prospect. By the time he reached his senior year, he had become a foundational piece of the Blazers offensive line.
In 2012, Hubbard was named First-team All-Conference USA, cementing his status as one of the top offensive linemen in the league that season. Despite this recognition, he went unselected in the 2013 NFL Draft, which was a significant setback in his professional journey. However, his strong college résumé and athletic measurables would soon earn him an opportunity at the next level.
Chris Hubbard Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
On April 27, 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Christopher E. Hubbard as an undrafted free agent following the 2013 NFL Draft. The early part of his Steelers tenure was a lesson in patience and perseverance. He was released on August 31, 2013, but quickly returned when he was signed to the team’s practice squad on September 3, 2013. Hubbard signed a future contract on December 31, 2013, securing his place within the organization.
Hubbard made his NFL debut on September 21, 2014, against the Carolina Panthers, a milestone that validated years of hard work. He continued to develop behind veteran tackles, learning the nuances of professional pass protection and run blocking. The Steelers organization valued his upside, and he remained a part of their roster development plan throughout his first three seasons in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2013–2017)
Hubbard’s true breakthrough came during the 2016 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being cut on August 19, 2016, he was brought back and earned his first career start on October 9, 2016, against the New York Jets. Filling in for an injured Marcus Gilbert, Hubbard played 76 offensive snaps and helped the Steelers secure a 31–13 victory. His performance drew praise from head coach Mike Tomlin, offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
He earned his second start on October 23, 2016, against the New England Patriots, further demonstrating his capability as a starting-caliber tackle. Although he was released and brought back during the 2016 offseason, Hubbard entered the 2017 season as the primary backup to Marcus Gilbert. When Gilbert went down with a hamstring injury on September 24, 2017, Hubbard stepped in and started five of the next six games at right tackle, proving his reliability when called upon.
Hubbard’s time with the Steelers from 2013 to 2017 laid the foundation for his career, transforming him from an undrafted practice squad player into a proven NFL starter. His experiences in Pittsburgh, working alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, helped him refine his technique and mental approach to the game.
Cleveland Browns Era (2018–2022)
On March 15, 2018, the Cleveland Browns signed Hubbard to a five-year, $37.50 million contract that included $15.15 million guaranteed and a $4 million signing bonus. The deal was a strong endorsement of his development and a testament to his value as a starting offensive tackle. He was immediately named the Browns’ starting right tackle and started all 16 games during the 2018 season.
Hubbard retained his starting role in 2019 but was eventually moved to a backup role at offensive tackle and guard after the Browns signed free agent Jack Conklin and drafted Jedrick Wills in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite the positional change, Hubbard agreed to restructure his contract to remain with the team. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 13, 2020, and later landed on injured reserve on December 22, 2020, due to a knee injury sustained in Week 15.
Hubbard continued to battle injuries in Cleveland, landing on injured reserve again on October 12, 2021. On March 16, 2022, he re-signed with the Browns on a one-year contract, completing a five-year run with the organization. His tenure in Cleveland was defined by durability challenges but also by his willingness to play multiple positions along the offensive line.
Tennessee Titans Era (2023)
On July 28, 2023, Hubbard signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he was immediately named the starting right tackle. He started nine games for the Titans, providing veteran leadership on the offensive line. His season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on November 25, 2023, due to a biceps injury.
Despite the abbreviated campaign, Hubbard’s professional approach and pass-protection skills earned him respect in the Tennessee locker room. His experience as a multi-year starter proved valuable for a Titans team looking to solidify its offensive front.
San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants Era (2024)
On May 14, 2024, Hubbard signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 27, 2024, but returned to the team when he was signed to the 49ers’ practice squad on September 11, 2024. His familiarity with West Coast offense schemes made him a valuable depth piece for San Francisco.
On October 18, 2024, Hubbard was signed off the 49ers’ practice squad by the New York Giants, where he finished the 2024 NFL season. His ability to transition between multiple rosters in a single year reflected his reputation as a dependable veteran presence in offensive line rooms across the league.
Detroit Lions Era (2025–Present)
On November 5, 2025, Hubbard signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, joining one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. He was elevated to the active roster and started in Week 18, playing every offensive snap. His late-season performance gave the Lions a reliable veteran presence at the tackle position as the team prepared for its playoff push.
Hubbard’s move to Detroit represented a fresh chapter in his career, pairing his experience with one of the league’s most balanced offensive attacks. His leadership in the locker room and his ability to step in seamlessly when called upon have made him a valuable addition to the Lions organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Hubbard’s career came on October 9, 2016, when he earned his first NFL start against the New York Jets and delivered a standout 76-snap performance in a 31–13 win over the Jets. His 77 pancake blocks as a high school senior in 2007 also stand as a remarkable statistical achievement. Reaching 102 career games and 61 starts in the NFL represents another major milestone for the former undrafted free agent.
Chris Hubbard Career Wins
Christopher E. Hubbard has built a steady professional career as an offensive lineman, contributing to team success through his run-blocking and pass-protection work. While offensive linemen are rarely recognized in box scores, Hubbard’s presence on the field has been a key factor in multiple franchise stretches, including his time as a full-time starter with the Cleveland Browns from 2018 to 2019.
Team Success Highlights
As a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hubbard contributed to a perennial playoff contender and earned a Super Bowl ring following the team’s victory in Super Bowl 50. With the Cleveland Browns, he was part of a turnaround era that included the franchise’s first playoff appearance in nearly two decades during the 2020 season. His veteran presence on the offensive line helped stabilize protections for young quarterbacks during his stops in Cleveland, Tennessee, and Detroit.
Individual Awards and Performances
Hubbard’s individual recognition began at the college level, where he was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2009 and earned First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2012. While he has not yet received major individual NFL awards, his consistent play has earned him the trust of multiple coaching staffs and front offices throughout his professional career.
Chris Hubbard Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Christopher E. Hubbard was raised in Columbus, Georgia, where his family roots helped shape his disciplined approach to football. While specific details about his parents and immediate family are not widely documented in public sources, Hubbard has consistently credited his upbringing in Columbus for instilling the work ethic that carried him through an undrafted path to a long NFL career.
Personal Life
Hubbard is active on social media and maintains a public presence that connects him with fans and the football community. He is represented under the Instagram handle @chubb74, where he shares insights into his training and personal interests. Details about his spouse and children are not publicly confirmed in available sources, and Hubbard generally keeps his private life out of the public spotlight.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a new chapter for Christopher E. Hubbard, who signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on November 5, 2025, before being elevated to the active roster. He started in Week 18 and played every offensive snap in that game, demonstrating the kind of reliability that has defined his entire career. His late-season promotion reflected the Lions’ confidence in his ability to step into a meaningful role during the playoff push.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Hubbard provided veteran depth and leadership to a Lions offensive line tasked with protecting quarterback Jared Goff and supporting a top-tier rushing attack. His experience from prior stops in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Tennessee, San Francisco, and New York gave Detroit a knowledgeable presence in the offensive line room. As the Lions continue their pursuit of postseason success, Hubbard’s performance in high-leverage moments will remain a key storyline.
Looking ahead, Hubbard’s role with the Detroit Lions offers an opportunity to contribute to one of the NFC’s most competitive rosters. His track record of stepping into starting duties when called upon, combined with his professional preparation, makes him a valuable asset for the Lions’ offensive scheme. Whether as a starter or a rotational piece, Hubbard’s 2025 season reinforces his reputation as one of the league’s most dependable veteran offensive tackles.