Nick Chubb, one of the most punishing and productive running backs of his generation, announced his retirement from the NFL. This closes out an eight-year career split between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans.
“Today’s the day I’ve been avoiding for a while. Twelve year old me could never imagine this day, and 30 year old me is wondering where all the time has gone,” Chubb wrote on Instagram. “I’ve known for some time now, but I’m finally ready to share that I’m done playing football. I wanted to end my career on a healthy note, along with a winning season, and I was able to do that.”
The Browns selected Chubb in the second round of the 2018 draft out of Georgia. He spent seven seasons in Cleveland before finishing his career with one year in Houston. Over eight seasons, Chubb racked up 7,349 rushing yards, 54 rushing touchdowns, 141 receptions, 1,109 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod along the way.
Chubb rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four straight seasons before 2023. He peaked with a career-high 1,525 yards in 2022. That production leaves him with the third-highest rushing total in Browns franchise history, trailing only Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. His is also the second-best rushing yards-per-game player in team history behind Brown.
Chubb built his career on both resilience and raw talent. He tore multiple ligaments in the same knee twice. The first time was as a sophomore at Georgia, while the second was in 2023 during a Monday night game against the Steelers. He missed the remainder of that season and didn’t return to the starting lineup until eight games into 2024.
Looking for a fresh start and a chance to finish healthy, Chubb signed with the Texans late in the 2025 offseason. Chubb began the season as Houston’s lead back. However, he was gradually surpassed by rookie Woody Marks as the year progressed. He ultimately finished with 506 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 15 games.
Even though his career ended in Houston, Chubb’s legacy is inseparable from Cleveland. His retirement clears the way for the Browns to begin honoring him as soon as this year, with some fans and observers already placing him among franchise icons like Joe Thomas.
Chubb leaves the game as one of the most respected running backs of his era. It’ll be interesting to see where he goes from here and what his retirement looks like.
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