NFLSep 25
Nick Chubb Returns to Cleveland to Retire With Browns
The standout running back closes his NFL career with the franchise where he made his name, ahead of a tribute at Sunday’s home opener.
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A Cleveland farewell
Nick Chubb returned to Cleveland on Friday to officially retire with the Browns, bringing a more positive conclusion to a relationship that ended amid injuries after the 2024 season. Chubb, 30, announced his retirement in August following eight NFL seasons. He spent his first seven in Cleveland before finishing his playing career with the Houston Texans in 2025. The Browns will honor him at their home opener Sunday. For Chubb, returning to the franchise offered a chance to move beyond the disappointment of his departure. He indicated that leaving Cleveland had diminished his desire to keep playing and that he felt he had accomplished what he could.
A lasting place in Browns history
Selected No. 35 out of Georgia in the 2018 draft, Chubb built a career defined by consistent production and the respect he earned through his preparation and dedication. He finished with 7,349 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns. His 6,843 rushing yards for Cleveland place him third in franchise history, behind Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. Beginning in 2019, he topped 1,000 rushing yards in four consecutive seasons, reaching a career-best 1,525 in 2022.
Injuries changed the finish
A severe left knee injury against Pittsburgh in Week 2 of the 2023 season interrupted Chubb’s run of success. He missed the remainder of that season and the opening six games of 2024. His comeback ended with a foot injury in Week 15, and Cleveland did not re-sign him. Chubb subsequently rushed for 506 yards and three touchdowns with Houston. Looking back on his Browns years, he singled out the road playoff victory over Pittsburgh during the 2020 postseason as his favorite memory.
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