Chris Hubbard spent 13 seasons in the NFL after going undrafted out of UAB.

From earning an opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers to navigating the pressures of success, battling depression, and finding purpose through fatherhood and mental health advocacy, Chris's story goes far beyond football.

In this conversation:

• Going undrafted and receiving the Pittsburgh Steelers call that changed everything • Choosing UAB over larger programs to stay close to family • Adapting to the size, speed, and business of the NFL • The pressure that followed his Cleveland Browns contract • Family expectations, marriage struggles, and hitting a breaking point • The call to Coach Kevin Stefanski that led him to therapy • How his son Creed became a reason to keep fighting • Why mental health conversations are still difficult inside NFL locker rooms • Building the Overcoming Together Foundation • The daily gratitude practice that keeps him grounded

Chris Hubbard is a former NFL offensive lineman who spent 13 seasons in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.

Learn more at overcomingtogether.org and follow Chris on Instagram @chubb74.

If anything in this episode resonates and you're struggling, reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust. You don't have to overcome anything alone.

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SHOW NOTES

EPISODE #05: CHRIS HUBBARD

GUEST:

Chris Hubbard Former NFL Offensive Lineman Founder, Overcoming Together Foundation

WHAT WE COVER:

• Growing up in Columbus, Georgia, and choosing UAB • Going undrafted and receiving the call from the Pittsburgh Steelers • Learning to survive and thrive in the NFL • Adapting from 250 pounds to NFL size and strength • The pressure and expectations that came after signing with Cleveland • Family demands, marriage struggles, and depression • The dark days that led Chris to seek help • The conversation with Coach Stefanski that changed everything • Working with therapist Tiffany Rush • Fatherhood, purpose, and breaking generational trauma • Being cut by the 49ers and learning perspective • Building the Overcoming Together Foundation • Mental health inside NFL locker rooms • Gratitude, prayer, and daily habits for resilience

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Success doesn't eliminate struggle.

Chris achieved the dream of reaching the NFL, but still faced personal battles that required support, therapy, and a new perspective on life.

1. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

One honest conversation with a trusted coach changed the trajectory of Chris's life and mental health journey.

1. Gratitude is a daily discipline.

"I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know today I'm thankful."

The simple practice of gratitude became one of Chris's most important tools for resilience.

MENTIONED

• UAB Football • Carver High School (Columbus, Georgia) • Pittsburgh Steelers • Mike Tomlin • Cleveland Browns • Kevin Stefanski • San Francisco 49ers • Detroit Lions • Tiffany Rush • Marquise Pouncey • Ramon Foster • Marcus Gilbert • Overcoming Together Foundation • Men's Mental Health Month • Creed Hubbard

GUEST LINKS

Overcoming Together Foundation Instagram: @overcomingtogetherfoundation

Instagram: @chubb74