Nick Chubb Reflects on Injuries and Dedication to the Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND — Almost from the moment Nick Chubb was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, he has felt a deep connection with the city and its fans. This bond has only grown stronger as Chubb prepares to return to play following a second major knee injury.

Ahead of his return, Chubb expressed his gratitude through an essay published in The Players’ Tribune, sharing his journey and thanking fans for their unwavering support during his recovery. “Just trying to give back a little bit,” Chubb remarked before practice. “I am kind of a closed-off guy, so I thought it’d be good. I thought people would appreciate me opening up a little bit, especially at a time like this.”

Chubb’s relationship with Cleveland goes beyond the typical player-fan dynamic, a connection the athlete acknowledges in his essay titled “Cleveland Got My Back.” This heartfelt piece recounts his emotional journey after his left knee, previously injured in 2015, was severely damaged in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During the Week 2 game last year, Chubb sustained the injury as he was hit by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The incident not only ended his season but also sparked fears about the future of his career. Despite doubts and predictions, Chubb persevered, bolstered by the encouragement of family, friends, and fans.

“It means a lot because people only see me on Sundays and they don’t know what it’s been like this past year,” Chubb stated, reflecting on his challenging road to recovery.

In his essay, Chubb recalls the overwhelming support he received after the injury, highlighting a message from LeBron James as particularly impactful. “Those messages meant the world to me,” he noted, revealing that during the lowest moments, he feared he might have played his last NFL game.

Chubb underwent two surgeries to repair multiple torn ligaments, as well as the medial capsule and meniscus in his left knee. Despite the challenges, the Browns remained optimistic about his return. “Nick’s a pretty special football player,” stated coach Kevin Stefanski. “He’s a pretty special person. He embodies a lot of what we want to be as Cleveland Browns, and certainly, our fans feel that from him.”

The Browns restructured Chubb’s contract during his recovery, signaling their commitment to him despite the end of his contract approaching. “That really meant the world to me,” Chubb expressed in response to the team’s continued support.

Since his return to running in April, Chubb has dispelled any remaining doubts about his ability to play again. “It was just a monumental moment for me to actually run again,” he shared. “I knew at that moment that I would come back to be who I was.”

With his teammates rallying around him, Chubb is poised to return as a pivotal player for the Browns. “He’ll be that spark for us,” said linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, reflecting the team’s excitement.

As Chubb prepares to take the field, he remains grounded, appreciative of the fans’ support and eager to demonstrate his continued dedication to the Browns and the city of Cleveland.