Nick Chubb's retirement closes the book on the Browns' most beloved modern superstar

If one play encapsulated Nick Chubb’s NFL career best, it came during the 2020 season.

The Cleveland Browns’ offense was on the field with under a minute left in regulation, trying to salt away a 10-7 lead against the Houston Texans. On third-and 3, the ball went to Chubb, who bolted around the left end for a 59-yard jaunt that ended with him scooting out of bounds at the 1 yard line, allowing the Browns to kneel out the clock and win the ballgame. 

Chubb’s fantasy football managers were probably furious, but that was vintage Chubb — a classy, selfless, team-first player who never sought attention or made excuses.

While Chubb, who announced his retirement on Instagram Friday night, lamented not winning enough over his seven seasons in Cleveland, he’ll go down as arguably the most beloved superstar of the franchise’s expansion era.

“In college, I wanted to win the Heisman, become an All American, and win a National Championship,” Chubb wrote. “In the NFL, I wanted to lead the league in rushing, win MVP, and win a Super Bowl for the city of Cleveland.

I wasn’t able to accomplish any of those things.

And what’s most frustrating, but also gives me peace, is that I know for a fact I gave it my all.”

Nick Chubb represented everything fans want this next era of Browns football to be 

It’s been a heavy offseason for Browns fans, from the Myles Garrett trade on June 1 to Joel Bitonio’s retirement and a mass exodus of veterans that included David Njoku, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin.

The Browns chose to move on from Chubb last March, nearly two years removed from the devastating knee injury on Monday Night Football that ultimately capped his NFL career at the age of 30. Chubb spent the 2025 season with the Texans and wound up splitting the workload with rookie running back Woody Marks. 

But Chubb proved he could produce and stay healthy through a full NFL season. He ended up appearing in 15 games and topped 500 rushing yards on 122 carries (4.1 average) with three touchdowns. 

“I wanted to end my career on a healthy note,” Chubb wrote, “along with a winning season, and I was able to do that.”

Browns fans had been wondering if a potential reunion with Chubb could be in the cards this season. Cleveland’s No. 3 running back spot remains unsettled entering Week 2 of the preseason, and the team could use a veteran mentor for 2025 draft picks Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. Judkins is coming off a severe season-ending leg injury of his own, suffered last December.

But Chubb appeared to be at peace with his decision, stating that he had been avoiding the announcement but has known for a while that his playing days are over. 

The time will come for a reunion of some sort in the future. Chubb clearly has nothing but love for Cleveland, ending his announcement with “GO BROWNS!!!” and “Batman out.”

His retirement is just another reminder of what this new season represents: a brand new era with Cleveland potentially fielding the NFL’s youngest overall roster.

New head coach Todd Monken would be wise to reach out to Chubb, even if it's just to speak to the team. He stood for everything the Browns' new regime wants to instill in 2026 and beyond.

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