CLEVELAND — From the moment Nick Chubb was selected by the Cleveland Browns, he has felt a profound connection with both the city and its dedicated fan base. This bond, which has only grown stronger over time, reflects the unique relationship he has fostered with the community. As he gears up for his return to NFL action following a significant knee injury, Chubb took the opportunity to express his thanks to the fans through an impactful essay written in collaboration with The Players’ Tribune.
In his heartfelt letter, Chubb took stock of his journey and acknowledged the unwavering support from the fans that helped him navigate through his recovery. “I’m just trying to give a little back,” Chubb shared during a practice session. “Being a pretty private person, I thought it would be meaningful for me to open up, especially during this crucial time.”
When it comes to the Cleveland sports scene, Chubb has carved out a place for himself like few athletes before him. His appeal to the fans transcends the usual dynamics between player and supporter, which motivated him to compose “Cleveland Got My Back.” He wanted to convey the emotional rollercoaster he experienced after a devastating injury to his left knee, the same knee he compromised back in college at Georgia. His injury occurred during Week 2 of last season when he was hit by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick while attempting to score, leading to the premature end of his season and raising doubts about his future in the league.
Despite facing his own uncertainties and the skepticism of outsiders, Chubb has drawn strength from the encouragement of family, friends, and fans who recognize him by his iconic No. 24 jersey and orange helmet. With the NFL season approaching, he is eager to return to play and deeply appreciates the opportunity that lies ahead. “It means a lot because people only see me on Sundays. They don’t understand what this past year has entailed. There have been many struggles and moments of stress,” Chubb remarked, acknowledging his potential start in the upcoming game against Cincinnati.
Chubb’s essay provided deeper insights than he had previously shared. After his injury, he turned to social media, where he was met with an encouraging comment from renowned athlete LeBron James shortly after being carted off the field. “Those messages meant everything to me,” Chubb said. “LeBron and so many others showed me love during a dark time. But truthfully, at that moment, I feared I had played my last down in the NFL.”
The recovery process involved two surgical procedures to repair torn ligaments in addition to damaged cartilage in his knee. Given Chubb’s strong work ethic, the Browns were optimistic about his return, with many projecting a timeline that could see him back in action by 2024. As anticipated, Chubb has met those expectations and more.
Nick Chubb is not just a remarkable football player; he is viewed as an essential figure within the Browns organization. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed, “Nick embodies everything we aspire to be as a team. Our fans can clearly feel that connection.” He added that Chubb’s dedication is evident whenever he watches him training early in the mornings, often the only player on the field.
Even as he entered the final year of his contract, the team opted to restructure his agreement, demonstrating their commitment to keeping him on the roster, largely due to the impact he has had on the city. In his essay, Chubb emphasized how much that gesture meant to him during this challenging time.
Chubb recalls the moment he started running again in April, marking a turning point in his recovery where any lingering uncertainties about his ability to return melted away. “It was a monumental occasion for me to run again,” he shared. “That moment made me confident I could return to my former self.”
Throughout this journey, his teammates have rallied around him, showing solidarity and support. As Chubb concluded a media session in the locker room, several fellow players cheered him on, illuminating the camaraderie shared among them. Despite the challenges presented thus far this season, Chubb is envisioned to be a catalyst for the team’s success. “He’ll be that spark for us,” linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah noted. “We can’t wait to see him back on the field.”
While Chubb is hesitant to speculate on how he will feel once he’s back in action, he understands that simply being able to play carries value, surpassing even the significance of a touchdown. Cleveland fans have been eagerly waiting to chant his name once again — “Chubb, Chubb, Chubb.” As the moment draws near, Chubb reflects humorously on his early days when he could go unnoticed, recollecting a time when someone at the airport questioned what he was doing in town after being drafted in 2018. “I miss those days,” he reminisced. “That’s still who I am. The people here appreciate me for who I am, and that connection means everything. I just want to work hard and win.”