Christopher E. Hubbard Bio
Christopher E. Hubbard is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Born on April 23, 1991, in Columbus, Georgia, Hubbard went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent. Over his career spanning from 2013 to present, he has established himself as a reliable NFL starter, appearing in 102 games with 61 starts across stints with the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Lions. His collegiate career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham saw him earn First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2012, setting the foundation for his professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Hubbard grew up in Columbus, Georgia, where he attended George Washington Carver High School. During his junior and senior years, he played left tackle for the Carver Fighting Tigers. Under his leadership, the team posted an impressive 26-3 record and captured the 2007 Georgia High School Association Class AAA state championship. His dominant performances on the offensive line earned him recognition throughout the state.
His senior season proved particularly remarkable as he accumulated 77 pancake blocks while earning selections to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer All-City team and the Associated Press Class AAA first-team All-State squad. These accomplishments demonstrated the skills and work ethic that would later carry him to the collegiate level and eventually to professional football.
Path to the NFL
Following his standout high school career, Hubbard enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, joining the UAB Blazers football program in 2009. He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in his first collegiate season. This early success established him as a building block for the Blazers program.
Throughout his four-year college career from 2009 to 2012, Hubbard developed into one of the top offensive linemen in Conference USA. His most productive season came in 2012 when he earned First-team All-Conference USA honors, solidifying his reputation as a dominant left tackle at the collegiate level. Despite his success, he went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, though his performance attracted interest from NFL teams.
Christopher E. Hubbard Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2013-2017)
On April 27, 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Hubbard as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the 2013 NFL Draft. He was initially released during final roster cuts on August 31, 2013, but was signed to the team’s practice squad shortly after on September 3. His persistence paid off when he signed a future contract on December 31, 2013, securing his spot on the Steelers roster heading into the 2014 season.
Hubbard made his NFL debut on September 21, 2014, against the Carolina Panthers. His first career start came on October 9, 2016, against the New York Jets when starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert was unavailable due to injury. He played 76 offensive snaps in that game and received widespread praise from head coach Mike Tomlin, offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for his solid performance in the Steelers’ 31-13 victory. He earned another start later that season against the New England Patriots.
During the 2017 season, Hubbard began the year as the backup right tackle behind Marcus Gilbert. He received his first start of the season on September 24, 2017, when Gilbert was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He went on to start five of the next six games at right tackle, demonstrating his ability to step in and perform at a high level when called upon.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2018-2022)
On March 15, 2018, Hubbard signed with the Cleveland Browns, inking a five-year contract worth $37.50 million that included $15.15 million guaranteed and a $4 million signing bonus. This contract reflected the Browns’ confidence in his ability to be a foundational piece of their offensive line. He was immediately named the starting right tackle and started all 16 games during the 2018 season, establishing himself as a reliable anchor on the right side.
Hubbard retained his starting role at right tackle entering the 2019 season. However, the Browns subsequently signed Jack Conklin in free agency to replace him at right tackle and drafted Jedrick Wills in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Hubbard was then demoted to backup offensive tackle and guard roles. To remain with the team, he agreed to restructure his contract. During the 2020 season, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 13 and activated on November 26. He suffered a knee injury in Week 15 and was placed on injured reserve on December 22, ending his season.
The 2021 season saw Hubbard placed on injured reserve on October 12. He re-signed with the Browns on March 16, 2022, on a one-year contract, returning to provide depth and experience along the offensive line.
Tennessee Titans (2023)
On July 28, 2023, Hubbard signed with the Tennessee Titans. He was named the starting right tackle and began the season in that role, starting nine games. His tenure with the Titans was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on November 25, 2023, due to a biceps injury. This injury ended his 2023 campaign after a solid showing in the early portion of the season.
San Francisco 49ers (2024)
On May 14, 2024, Hubbard signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 27 during final roster cuts but was signed to the team’s practice squad on September 11, 2024. His time with the 49ers provided him with valuable experience in a competitive defensive conference.
New York Giants (2024)
On October 18, 2024, Hubbard was signed by the New York Giants off the 49ers practice squad. This move allowed him to continue his NFL career while providing depth and experience to the Giants’ offensive line rotation for the remainder of the season.
Detroit Lions Era (2025-Present)
On November 5, 2025, Hubbard signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad. He earned a starting role and played every offensive snap in Week 18, showcasing his durability and readiness. This opportunity with the Lions represents a fresh start for Hubbard as he continues his professional career with a franchise known for its strong football tradition and commitment to building a competitive team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hubbard is known for his versatility along the offensive line, having played both tackle and guard positions throughout his career. His primary position is right tackle, where he has accumulated the majority of his starts. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 295 pounds, he possesses the size and length needed to handle edge rushers in pass protection. His experience as both a starter and reliable backup provides valuable depth and leadership to any offensive line room he joins.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hubbard’s most significant contract came in 2018 when he signed his five-year, $37.50 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, demonstrating his value as a starting-caliber offensive tackle in the NFL. His first career start against the New York Jets in 2016 marked a turning point in his career, as he earned praise from the coaching staff and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for his performance. With 102 games played and 61 starts over his career, Hubbard has established himself as a durable and dependable NFL veteran.
Christopher E. Hubbard Career Wins
Across his NFL career spanning from 2013 to present, Hubbard has accumulated significant experience as both a starter and valuable backup along the offensive line. His journey from undrafted free agent to consistent NFL starter represents a successful career path.
NFL Highlights
Hubbard’s most productive season came in 2018 with the Cleveland Browns when he started all 16 games at right tackle following his lucrative free-agent signing. His $37.50 million contract marked the pinnacle of his career earnings and reflected his status as a starting-caliber tackle. His ability to remain in the league through multiple team changes demonstrates his value as a versatile offensive lineman capable of filling various roles when needed.
College Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, Hubbard earned Second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2012 at UAB, his most prestigious collegiate accolade. He was also named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team in 2009, showing he was a contributor from the beginning of his college career.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (Career) | 102 | 61 | Multiple Starting Roles |
| UAB College | 4 seasons | Multiple | First-team All-C-USA (2012) |
Christopher E. Hubbard Family
Family Background
Specific details about Hubbard’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or extended family, are not widely available in public sources. He maintains a private personal life away from the football field.
Personal Life
Hubbard was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, where he attended George Washington Carver High School. He has been active on social media, maintaining an Instagram account under the handle chubb74. Beyond his football career, information about his marital status, children, or other personal details remains private and is not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Hubbard’s career as he joined the Detroit Lions organization. After signing with the Lions’ practice squad on November 5, 2025, he quickly worked his way into the starting lineup. His opportunity came when he was pressed into duty as a starter and responded by playing every offensive snap in Week 18, demonstrating his readiness and conditioning despite joining the team mid-season.
Playing for the Lions provides Hubbard with an opportunity to contribute to a franchise with strong organizational values and a commitment to building a winning team. His experience as a veteran offensive lineman brings valuable depth to the Lions’ line as they evaluate their roster for future seasons. The performance in Week 18 showed he can still be an effective contributor when called upon, giving the coaching staff confidence in his abilities.