Nick Chubb has a new home with the Houston Texans and he’s starting to feel like himself again.
The former Cleveland Browns star signed a one-year deal with Houston, officially ending his seven-year tenure in Cleveland. The four-time Pro Bowler received limited interest early in free agency due to a string of injuries that have hampered him over the last two seasons.
In 2023, Chubb suffered a major knee injury, tearing his MCL and damaging his ACL — an ordeal that required two surgeries. He returned last season but was sidelined once again, this time with a broken foot.
To quiet any doubts about his recovery, Chubb shared a series of training videos on social media, looking as explosive as ever. He reinforced that message during his first media appearance with the Texans on Wednesday.
“That’s all behind me. Injuries happen,” Chubb said. “With what I did, it takes about two years to really get back. So, I’m over the hump. Now, I’m feeling as good as I have been in a long time.”
Chubb also noted that he’s meeting his usual offseason benchmarks.
“I hit all my numbers that I usually do in the offseason, so speed and weights and things like that,” he said.
Nick Chubb Said Deal With Texans Developed Fast
Chubb made a name for himself with the Browns. The former second-round pick ranks third on the franchise’s all-time rushing list with 6,843 yards, trailing only legends Jim Brown (12,312) and Leroy Kelly (7,274).
Chubb also recorded 30 career 100-yard rushing games — the second-most in team history — and his 51 rushing touchdowns rank third all-time for the Browns. He hasn’t had a chance yet to process leaving Cleveland behind.
“It happened really fast. Saturday, I got the call, and I was on a flight the next day. I haven’t been able to process everything,” Chubb said. “I’ve talked to a couple guys, former teammates, but I haven’t had time to sit down and digest everything.”
Chubb gets an interesting opportunity in Houston, where he’ll team up with Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks in the backfield. Mixon is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Texans, notching 1,016 rushing yards, 309 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns.
Browns ‘Crushed’ by Nick Chubb Departure
Getty| ImagesMyles Garrett tried to get the Browns to keep Nick Chubb.
The Browns had discussions with Chubb before the draft but were ultimately unable to reach a contract agreement. Cleveland opted to draft Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, reshaping their backfield.
Many Browns players, including Myles Garrett, were sad to see Chubb go.
“I love Nick. I think a lot of the guys who are in this locker room still feel the same way as I do. It crushes to see him get injured, had to battle through, and then it happened again. So we want the very best for him,” Garrett said. “Happy to see him still able to play, still able to do his thing. Wanted to see him go back to being the player that he was and have a smile on his face, and continue to ball out.”
The Browns and Texans will not face each other next season. The sides faced off in a Wild Card clash two seasons ago, with Houston running away with a 45-14 victory.
