Former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb has bid an emotional farewell to the franchise and city where he spent the first seven years of his NFL career. Chubb, who signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans last week, expressed his gratitude to the team that drafted him and the community he called home.
“[Seven] years. That’s more than just time — it’s where I grew roots, found a home, and felt a love like nowhere else,” Chubb wrote in a message posted to social media Thursday night. “Cleveland, you didn’t just embrace me; you became family. To every fan who cheered, shouted, and believed — you gave me purpose.”
Chubb, 29, was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft after a standout career at Georgia. He quickly became a fan favorite and one of the league’s top running backs, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod in 2022. Over 85 games with Cleveland, Chubb rushed for 6,843 yards and 51 touchdowns on 1,340 carries.
“To this city, with its grit, heart, and unforgettable spirit: you showed me what true community feels like,” Chubb continued in his farewell post. “To my teammates, only we know how hard we fought every day and night. Relentless effort; scratching and clawing, doing all we could to win games, not only for us, but for the city. You guys kept me going every day and I will never forget my time with you in the building and on the field.”
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Chubb’s production was hampered by injuries over the past two seasons. He played in just 10 games after undergoing multiple procedures in 2023 to repair the medial capsule, meniscus, MCL and ACL in his left knee.
At his peak, Chubb was among the NFL’s elite at the running back position. He earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 to 2022 and topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of those seasons. His best year came in 2022, when he rushed for a career-high 1,525 yards and matched a personal best with 12 rushing touchdowns.
