Star running back issues thank you to Cleveland and Browns fans as he heads off to Houston.
Cleveland Browns fans had their first view of running back Nick Chubb during a segment of Hard Knocks that showed him quietly waiting for his luggage at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
There was nothing quiet about his NFL arrival, however, as Chubb ripped off a 63-yard touchdown run on his first carry of the game against the Oakland Raiders. He followed that up with a 41-yard touchdown run later that afternoon, part of a day that saw Chubb gain 105 yards on three carries.
Related: Browns owners issue statement on Nick Chubb
Chubb did not move into the starting lineup until Week 7 of his rookie season, thanks to the incompetence of head coach Hue Jackson. However, once he did, Chubb spent five seasons terrorizing opposing defenses.
Throwback to when no one knew who rookie @NickChubb was at Cleveland’s airport #HardKnocksHOF | @Browns pic.twitter.com/9TRNogCad3
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 2, 2024
That came to an end in Week 2 of the 2023 season when Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick shredded Chubb’s knee on a tackle. Chubb missed the remainder of that season and only played in eight games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending foot injury.
The Browns made the logical rather than emotional decision in the offseason to move on from Chubb, and the official end came this week when Chubb signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans.
On Thursday, Chubb issued a farewell message to fans on his Instagram account:
7 years.
That’s more than just time — it’s where I grew roots, found a home, and felt a love like nowhere else. Cleveland, you didn’t just embrace me; you became family.
To every fan who cheered, shouted, and believed — you gave me purpose. To this city, with its grit, heart, and unforgettable spirit: you showed me what true community feels like. 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. I came here to play football, but I’m leaving with so much more — memories that’ll last a lifetime, friendships that changed me, and pride in calling this place home.
This city deserves a winning season every year. It’s earned it.
This city doesn’t quit
The people never stop believing.
And my Brothers in that locker room, will never stop fighting.
Cleveland’s time is now… and not because they are owed anything, but because RESILIENCE ALWAYS WINS. Just like we preached every day in meetings.
This isn’t goodbye to what we built; it’s a thank you. For the trust, the passion, and the moments that made me feel like I belonged here from day one. Cleveland, you’ll always have a piece of my heart. Until we meet again.
Even though it has been clear for a while that Chubb’s time in Cleveland had ended, it was still a tough week for Browns fans. Very little has gone right with the Browns over the years, but Chubb was consistently a bright spot since arriving in town in 2018.
Chubb closes out his time in Cleveland third on the franchise’s all-time rushing list with 6,843 yards, has the second-most 100-yard rushing games with 30, and the third-most rushing touchdowns with 51.