Nick Chubb may not have gotten the national recognition he deserved playing almost his entire NFL career for the Cleveland Browns. But it seems he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The running back was certainly appreciated in Cleveland, beloved by fans, teammates, and other members of the franchise. It is why, after announcing the end of his playing career this summer, he was welcomed back with an ovation as he signed a one-day contract to retire with the Browns on Friday.
Looking back, Chubb revealed why Cleveland is special, saying it can’t truly be appreciated unless you experience it.
“This place is special. You gotta be there to see why it’s special. You gotta be in the building. You gotta meet the people. You gotta meet the team. You just gotta be around to see why everybody loves it. I think when people come here, and they meet everybody, and they see everything, and they go out there to practice, the thing about Cleveland is you gotta be in the building to know what’s special. You can only trust the guy to your right and to your left. This is a team built on trust and camaraderie with everyone inside of it. I think that’s what makes Cleveland different,” Chubb said.
"This place is special" pic.twitter.com/CMapHi0kQW
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 25, 2026
Chubb developed that special relationship as one of the best running backs in the NFL in his first five seasons. But within the organization, it was strengthened immeasurably while he recovered from a devastating knee injury he suffered during the 2023 campaign.
He remained around the team, working closely with its strength and conditioning coaches as he aimed to get back on the field. It took almost 400 days, but he was able to return for eight games during the 2024 season.
Cleveland did not re-sign Chubb as a free agent following that season, and he finished his career last year with the Houston Texans. But his status with the Browns did not diminish in the slightest.
He ranks third in Cleveland franchise history with 6,843 rushing yards, behind only Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. Chubb’s 30 100-yard rushing games rank second, and his 51 rushing touchdowns are third, including the longest TD run in team history (92 yards).
Chubb likely would have been even better known had the Browns been more successful as a team. He appeared in just two playoff games, posting 145 yards on 31 carries in the 2020 postseason.
At Cleveland’s home opener on Sunday, Chubb is scheduled to participate in pregame festivities as the Dawg Pound captain and honorary guitar smasher, which is a fitting sendoff for one of the team’s most beloved figures.
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