A few years ago, then-Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb delivered a sobering reality of how playing running back in the NFL works.
Teams will ride a high-producing running like a thoroughbred in the Kentucky Derby. But at some point, a heavy price will be paid when injuries make it where it’s no longer good business to offer the workhorse back a contract extension. Little did Chubb know that would be his reality. As a smart man, however, he had to understand the probabilities.
A little over a week ago, Chubb landed in Houston and inked a kick-the-tires $2.5 million deal to join the Texans in time for mandatory minicamp. The lifeline Chubb’s career received was because of the harsh reality of being a running back in the NFL.
There is no loyalty in this game.
To say Chubb starred in the Browns’ backfield is a huge understatement. For seven seasons, he was the heartbeat of the Cleveland Browns. As a native of Cleveland and a lifelong Browns family member, I knew what he meant to the Browns. I knew what he meant to Cleveland.
However, a horrific knee injury early in the 2023 season changed how the Browns looked at Chubb. The type of knee injury and surgical procedure made it almost certain that the four-time Pro Bowler would not return to the elite status he had enjoyed. Making matters worse was that his high-end running back contract was expiring the following season, when he would still be feeling the effects of his knee injury. Chubb’s cause was further damaged when he suffered another season-ending injury – this time a broken foot – in Week 15 of last season.
There were all kinds of questions in Cleveland about whether the Browns would keep him around even as they added two running backs during the 2025 NFL Draft.
There was hope, and there was also reality. Finally, the Band-Aid was pulled last week when Chubb and the Texans reached an agreement.
Clearly, the decision was tough for Chubb after spending seven amazing seasons in Cleveland.
“Cleveland, you didn’t just embrace me; you became family,” Chubb wrote in a letter to Cleveland. “I came here to play football, but I’m leaving with so much more- memories that’ll last a lifetime, friendships that changed me, and pride in calling this place home.”
Now, Chubb is excited to call Houston home.
He perhaps still faces an uphill battle because it’s rare that a player is ever the same after suffering the type of knee injury he suffered. A team like the Texans, however, gives him a chance without all of the pressure. He will be playing with one of the best young quarterbacks in the league in C.J. Stroud, an improving offensive line and his role will be more of taking some of the burden off starting running back Joe Mixon.
Chubb is also now playing for a head coach in DeMeco Ryans, who understands how to use veteran players while prolonging their careers.
“I’ve always been a fan of Coach DeMeco, and I know some guys on the team,” said Chubb, who faced off against Mixon aplenty when the two were AFC North rivals with the Browns and Bengals. “I know Joe Mixon. I know what he’s about. And I watched him from afar on the sideline for many years. I know how he runs the ball. And I know the opportunity I had here with this team, being an up-and-coming team.”
It was interesting last week listening to the Texans’ players describe Chubb’s personality. He’s definitely built a reputation as more of a quiet type.
“I actually didn’t recognize him when I walked in,” Stroud said of the first time he encountered Chubb at the Texans’ facility. “He’s very quiet, so I was like, ‘Dang, what’s up, Nick?’ I kind of got nervous because he’s been a baller since I’ve been a kid. So, I’m very excited to have him.”
Ryans certainly seems excited to have Chubb on the team, although he made sure to credit general manager Nick Caserio, who is also a Cleveland native, with working the deal that brought Chubb to Houston.
“We all know the caliber of player that Nick can be when he’s healthy and when he’s at the top of his game. He’s a dynamic player. He’s a game changer,” Ryans said. “So, we’re just easing him in. We’ll see how far he gets. We’ll come back for training camp ready to go.”
In the meantime, even with his first minicamp with the Texans in the books, Chubb is still trying to absorb it all and get excited about playing for another team that isn’t the Cleveland Browns.
“It happened really fast. You know, I was at home. I got the call, and I was on a flight the next day,” Chubb said. “So, I haven’t been able to process everything. I’ve talked to a couple guys, former teammates, but I haven’t really had time to really sit down and digest everything. But, you know, I’m happy to be here.”
