Nick Chubb is returning to the Cleveland Browns, but he is not making an NFL comeback.
The four-time Pro Bowl running back will return to Cleveland on Friday, September 25, 2026, to sign a one-day contract that allows him to officially retire as a member of the Browns.
Chubb had already announced his retirement from professional football on August 21 after eight NFL seasons. The new Browns contract is ceremonial, giving one of the most popular players in recent franchise history an opportunity to formally finish his career with the team that drafted him.
Chubb spent seven of his eight NFL seasons in Cleveland before playing his final year with the Houston Texans in 2025. [NBC Sports]
Did Nick Chubb Sign With The Browns?
Yes, but the signing is not a normal player contract.
The Browns announced on September 24 that Chubb will return to the team’s facility in Berea on September 25 to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Cleveland Brown.
The arrangement is ceremonial. Chubb is not joining Cleveland’s active roster and is not expected to play in a game.
Browns managing partner JW Johnson III announced the reunion on the team’s Cleveland Browns Daily radio show.
“Nick epitomizes what it means to be a Brown.”
Johnson said Chubb would attend practice Friday and remain in Cleveland through the weekend as the organization honors his career. [Akron Beacon Journal via Yahoo Sports]
Why Is Nick Chubb Signing A One-Day Contract?
The contract allows Chubb to officially end his NFL career as a member of the Browns.
One-day contracts are generally ceremonial agreements used when a prominent former player wants his career to formally conclude with the franchise most closely associated with him.
Chubb spent seven seasons in Cleveland, made four Pro Bowls as a Brown and became one of the leading rushers in franchise history.
Although his final NFL season was technically with Houston, the one-day deal reconnects Chubb with Cleveland for his formal retirement. [CBS Sports]
Is Nick Chubb Coming Out Of Retirement?
No.
The one-day contract does not mean Chubb is returning to play for the Browns.
Chubb announced on August 21 that he was finished playing professional football after eight NFL seasons.
In his retirement announcement, Chubb wrote:
“I’m finally ready to share that I’m done playing football.”
The Browns signing simply allows his career to officially end where it began. [NFL]
When Did Nick Chubb Retire?
Chubb announced his retirement on August 21, 2026.
He was 30 years old and had completed eight NFL seasons.
Chubb said he had known for some time that he was ready to stop playing. He also said he wanted to finish his career healthy and following a winning season, something he accomplished during his final year with Houston. [NFL]
Why Did Nick Chubb Retire?
Chubb’s decision involved more than his injury history.
In his original retirement statement, Chubb emphasized the importance of leaving football healthy after overcoming two major injuries to the same knee.
He wrote that “health is the real wealth” and said he was leaving the sport in a good place. [NFL]
Chubb subsequently explained that his intense devotion to football also influenced his decision.
He described being so focused on training and preparing that it became difficult to be fully present in other parts of his life. Turning 30 made him think about experiences and goals he wanted to pursue away from football.
Chubb said wanting to live more of his life outside his identity as an athlete influenced him “more than just my injuries.” [The Big Lead]
Did Nick Chubb Retire Because Of His Knee Injuries?
The injuries were part of Chubb’s career story, but he has said they were not the primary reason he retired.
Chubb suffered major injuries to his left knee twice — once while playing at Georgia in 2015 and again with Cleveland in 2023.
The 2023 injury was particularly severe and required two surgeries. Chubb spent more than a year rehabilitating before returning to an NFL game in October 2024. [Cleveland Browns]
He later explained that he ultimately wanted to move into another phase of his life rather than continue organizing nearly everything around football training and preparation. [The Big Lead]
What Happened To Nick Chubb’s Knee?
Chubb suffered a devastating left knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 18, 2023.
He was hit near the goal line during the second quarter and had to be carted from the field. Cleveland announced the following day that his season was over and that surgery would be required. [Cleveland Browns]
The injury was especially concerning because Chubb had previously suffered a serious injury to the same knee while playing for Georgia.
He underwent two operations following the 2023 injury and spent months rebuilding the strength and mobility necessary to play football again.
Did Nick Chubb Return After His Knee Injury?
Yes.
Chubb completed one of the more difficult injury comebacks in recent NFL history when he returned to Cleveland’s lineup in October 2024.
The Browns activated him from the physically unable to perform list before their Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. [Cleveland Browns]
He played eight games during the 2024 season and rushed 102 times for 332 yards and three touchdowns.
His season ended early when he suffered a broken foot against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Why Did Nick Chubb Leave The Browns?
Chubb became a free agent after the 2024 season, and Cleveland did not re-sign him.
The Browns and Chubb had previously reworked the final year of his contract while he was recovering from the major knee injury. That deal allowed him to return to Cleveland in 2024 while providing incentives based on his performance. [ESPN]
After the season, the two sides went in different directions.
Chubb subsequently signed with the Houston Texans in June 2025, ending his seven-year run with Cleveland. [Cleveland Browns]
Did Nick Chubb Play For The Houston Texans?
Yes. Houston was the only NFL team other than Cleveland that Chubb played for.
He joined the Texans for the 2025 season and shared the backfield with Woody Marks.
Chubb carried the ball 122 times for 506 rushing yards and three touchdowns during the regular season. [Houston Texans]
Houston reached the playoffs, giving Chubb the winning final season he said he hoped to have before retiring.
He also appeared in both of Houston’s postseason games, including its Wild Card victory over Pittsburgh and AFC Divisional Round loss to New England. [NFL]
What Were Nick Chubb’s Career Stats?
Chubb finished his eight-year NFL career with 7,349 rushing yards.
| Career Statistic | Nick Chubb |
|---|---|
| NFL Seasons | 8 |
| Games | 100 |
| Rushing Yards | 7,349 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,109 |
| Total Touchdowns | 59 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 |
Chubb’s best statistical season came in 2022, when he rushed for a career-high 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns and earned second-team All-Pro honors. [NFL]
Where Does Nick Chubb Rank In Browns History?
Chubb finishes his Cleveland career alongside some of the most accomplished running backs in franchise history.
He rushed for 6,843 yards as a Brown, ranking third in franchise history behind Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly.
| Rank | Player | Browns Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Brown | 12,312 |
| 2 | Leroy Kelly | 7,274 |
| 3 | Nick Chubb | 6,843 |
| 4 | Mike Pruitt | 6,540 |
Chubb also ranks third in Browns history with 51 rushing touchdowns and second with 30 games of at least 100 rushing yards. [Cleveland Browns]
What Browns Records Does Nick Chubb Hold?
Among Chubb’s most notable Cleveland records is the longest rushing touchdown in franchise history.
He ran 92 yards for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during his rookie season in 2018.
Chubb also averaged 5.1 yards per carry during his Browns career, an unusually high figure considering his workload of 1,340 rushing attempts. [Cleveland Browns]
NBC Sports noted that Chubb is one of only four NFL players to retire with an average of at least five yards per carry on more than 1,000 rushing attempts, joining Jim Brown, Joe Perry and Jamaal Charles. [NBC Sports]
How Many 1,000-Yard Seasons Did Nick Chubb Have?
Chubb recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2019 through 2022.
| Season | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,494 |
| 2020 | 1,067 |
| 2021 | 1,259 |
| 2022 | 1,525 |
He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of those four seasons. [CBS Sports]
Chubb also came remarkably close as a rookie, rushing for 996 yards in 2018.
Why Is Nick Chubb So Popular With Browns Fans?
Chubb’s popularity in Cleveland came from both his production and his low-key reputation.
He became known for avoiding attention, rarely celebrating individual accomplishments and consistently emphasizing team results.
One play the Browns themselves highlighted after his departure came against Houston in 2020. Chubb broke free for a 59-yard run late in the game but deliberately stepped out of bounds at the 3-yard line rather than scoring a touchdown because doing so allowed Cleveland to run out the clock and secure the victory. [Cleveland Browns]
That play became one of the clearest examples of the team-first approach that contributed to Chubb becoming a fan favorite.
Will Nick Chubb Be Honored At A Browns Game?
Yes.
Chubb is expected to remain in Cleveland after signing his one-day contract Friday and attend the Browns’ home game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 27.
He will serve as the Dawg Pound captain and participate in the team’s ceremonial guitar smash before kickoff. [BrownsZone]
The weekend therefore serves as both his formal retirement from the franchise and a public celebration of his Browns career.
Will Nick Chubb Be In The Browns Ring Of Honor?
The Browns have already indicated that they expect to honor Chubb again in the future.
When Chubb left Cleveland for Houston in 2025, owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said they looked forward to celebrating his career as a member of the Browns’ Ring of Honor. [Cleveland Browns]
The team has not yet announced a formal induction date.
What Does A One-Day NFL Contract Mean?
A one-day contract in this situation is primarily ceremonial.
It allows a retired player to symbolically rejoin the franchise with which he is most closely identified and announce his retirement as a member of that organization.
It does not mean Chubb is returning to the Browns’ depth chart, competing for playing time or preparing to appear in Sunday’s game.
For Chubb, the purpose is simple: although his final actual NFL snaps came as a Houston Texan, his career will formally close as a Cleveland Brown.
Nick Chubb Retirement FAQ
Did Nick Chubb retire?
Yes. Chubb announced his retirement from the NFL on August 21, 2026, after eight seasons. [NFL]
Why is Nick Chubb signing with the Browns?
Chubb is signing a ceremonial one-day contract so he can officially retire as a Cleveland Brown. He is not returning to play for the team. [NBC Sports]
When will Nick Chubb sign his Browns contract?
The Browns announced that Chubb will return to the team’s facility on Friday, September 25, 2026, to sign the one-day deal. [Akron Beacon Journal via Yahoo Sports]
Is Nick Chubb playing for the Browns again?
No. The contract is ceremonial. Chubb has retired from professional football.
What team did Nick Chubb play for last?
Chubb spent his final playing season with the Houston Texans in 2025. He rushed for 506 yards and three touchdowns. [Houston Texans]
How long did Nick Chubb play for the Browns?
Chubb spent seven seasons with Cleveland from 2018 through 2024.
Where does Nick Chubb rank in Browns rushing history?
Chubb ranks third with 6,843 rushing yards, behind Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. He also ranks third in franchise history with 51 rushing touchdowns. [Cleveland Browns]
How many Pro Bowls did Nick Chubb make?
Chubb was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019 through 2022.
How many career rushing yards did Nick Chubb have?
Chubb retired with 7,349 rushing yards in 100 NFL games. [NFL]
