Full Breakdown
Nick Chubb to Retire as a Cleveland Brown with One-Day Contract
By Drooid · · How we work
The One-Day Retirement Ceremony
On September 24, 2026, the Cleveland Browns will host running back Nick Chubb for a press conference and a one-day contract signing, after which he will officially retire as a member of the franchise that drafted him in 2018. The event will coincide with the Browns’ home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Background & Context
Chubb, a 30-year-old native of Cedartown, Georgia, entered the NFL as the No. 35 overall pick of the 2018 draft and became the Browns’ primary rusher. After seven seasons in Cleveland, the team did not re-sign him following the 2024 campaign. He spent 2025 with the Houston Texans before announcing his retirement in August via Instagram.
Data & Statistics
- Cleveland career: 6,843 rushing yards on 1,340 carries, 51 rushing touchdowns (third-most in franchise history).
- Overall NFL totals: 7,349 rushing yards, 54 rushing touchdowns in 100 games; 5.0 yards per carry, one of only four players in league history to average at least 5.0 yards per carry on more than 1,000 attempts.
- 2025 with Houston: 506 rushing yards on 122 carries, three touchdowns in 15 games.
- Injury history: Severe knee dislocation at Georgia; torn MCL, meniscus and ACL in Week 2 of 2023; broken foot in 2024.
All figures are drawn from the Browns’ official franchise statistics and league records.
Official Statements & Responses
Johnson added that the team will celebrate Chubb’s career during the home opener, including a ceremonial guitar-smash in the Dawg Pound. The Browns also indicated that Chubb will serve as a Dawg Pound captain for the opening-day festivities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've known for some time now, but I'm finally ready to share that I'm done playing football. I wanted to end my career on a healthy note, along with a winning season, and I was able to do that,” — Nick Chubb
- “Today's the day I've been avoiding for a while,” — Nick Chubb
Timeline
- 2018: Drafted by Cleveland (35th overall).
- 2018-2022: Four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons; four Pro Bowl selections.
- Week 2, 2023: Torn MCL and ACL.
- 2024: Returns for eight games before a broken foot ends the season.
- 2025: One-year deal with Houston; 506 yards, three touchdowns.
- August 2026: Announces retirement on Instagram.
- September 24, 2026: Signs one-day contract and retires as a Brown.
Why It Matters
Chubb’s retirement ceremony underscores a growing NFL tradition of players concluding their careers with the team that defined their legacy. By retiring as a Brown, he joins the franchise’s all-time greats and highlights the Browns’ emphasis on homegrown talent. His 5.0-yard-per-carry average sets a benchmark for future running backs.
What’s Next
The September 24, 2026 ceremony will be followed by the Browns’ home opener on Sunday, where Chubb will be honored on the field. No further public appearances have been announced.