"When I had my injury last year, I obviously wanted to finish the season, but they were looking out for me. The team, like I said, always has the players' best interests, which is something I appreciate because that's not always the case.
"But yeah, I'm a competitor. I want to be out there. I want to play. I want to be there with my team. So, yeah, you just, you live and learn."
Knowing and doing can be two different things, with your mind telling you to slow down while your heart says get back out there. And as Hubbard watched from the sideline in street clothes for two weeks, then still in uniform to an extent as the Panthers rode (and continue to ride) the hot hand of [Rico Dowdle](/team/players-roster/rico-dowdle/), the longtime Panther saw something being built that he was determined to be a part of.
So he pushed himself through pain—which was to be expected—but also past where his calf could go.