CLEVELAND — Each game that Nick Chubb plays takes him further away from a pivotal moment in his career that reshaped him.
On Sunday, Chubb will revisit the site of his injury, coming full circle. Over a year has passed since the Cleveland Browns running back suffered a severe injury to his left knee during a play near the goal line against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This will mark his first return to Acrisure Stadium since that incident, a moment that could have signaled the end of his professional playing days.
Chubb is typically reserved and not very expressive, but he acknowledged the emotional weight of this upcoming game. “It’s a divisional game, which is enough reason for excitement, but I’d be dishonest if I said I hadn’t thought about returning to where it all happened last year,” he revealed in a Zoom interview. “Regardless, I always look forward to playing the Steelers.”
The pivotal moment for Chubb came in Week 2 of last season. What started as a routine play turned catastrophic when his knee was struck during a low tackle by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, resulting in torn ligaments and other severe damage. After enduring two surgeries, Chubb was dedicated to his rehabilitation and made an impressive comeback, rejoining the team in Week 7. He marked his return with a touchdown against Cincinnati on October 20.
Recently, Chubb faced off against the Steelers for the first time since his injury, and the game unfolded almost like a storybook. Played amidst falling snow, Chubb executed a run resembling the one that led to his injury, scoring a two-yard touchdown with only 57 seconds left, which helped clinch a 24-19 victory for the Browns. He chose not to address the media afterward, perhaps aiming to avoid overshadowing the team’s rival victory.
Despite his modesty, Chubb’s teammates recognized the significance of his performance for him personally and for the team as a whole. “I know this means a lot to him. He won’t say it, but it’s true,” remarked defensive end Myles Garrett. “At this time last year, we were in turmoil watching him go through that.” Garrett emphasized Chubb’s resilience and the profound respect that exists among the players.
Chubb enjoys widespread admiration in Cleveland, evidenced by the sea of No. 24 jerseys in the stands and the enthusiastic “Chubb! Chubb!” chants resonating through the stadium before and after each of his plays. He even relived that support during the agonizing moments of his injury while being carted off the field last year.
As he prepares to step back onto the field this Sunday, Chubb feels a strong sense of gratitude. “Just going back there, reflecting on how it was last year, reminds me of how thankful I am to be running and playing football again,” he expressed. “It’s humbling to appreciate my health and the opportunity to return.”
Chubb’s remarkable comeback has invigorated a Cleveland team facing its share of challenges this season. “Nick embodies what it means to be a Cleveland Brown,” said wide receiver Elijah Moore. “When I arrived after being traded, he was the first player that came to mind regarding the team. His return and resilience have inspired everyone around him.”
Turning 29 later this month, the four-time Pro Bowler admits he hasn’t recaptured the explosive play style that previously defined him, a reality anticipated given his focus during the offseason was on recovery. In six games this season, he has accumulated 243 rushing yards with a modest average of 3.0 yards per carry, struggling to break through for long scoring plays that would excite fans.
Chubb is aware that he’s not quite back to his former self, attributing some of his struggles to the lost time. “It’s just a matter of getting back in the groove,” he explained. “The rust from not playing is a factor.”
So how far is he from returning to his best form? “I have no idea,” he admitted, “but when it happens, everyone will know.”
