Nick Chubb has officially retired from the NFL at the age of 30, bringing an eight-season professional football career to an end just weeks before the start of the 2026 NFL season.
The four-time Pro Bowl running back announced his retirement on Friday in an emotional Instagram post. Chubb reflected on his journey from a young football player to an NFL star, describing football as a major blessing in his life.
Chubb spent seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns and one season with the Houston Texans.
Did Nick Chubb retire from the NFL?
Yes. Nick Chubb has announced his retirement from professional football at age 30.
The Cleveland Browns selected Chubb with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly developed into one of the NFL’s most productive running backs.
After seven seasons in Cleveland, Chubb joined the Houston Texans for the 2025 season. He appeared in 15 games for Houston, recording 506 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
His retirement comes after several serious injury setbacks during the latter stages of his career.
Why did Nick Chubb retire?
Chubb did not provide one specific reason for his retirement. However, his decision follows years of dealing with significant injuries, particularly problems involving his left knee.
His most serious NFL injury occurred during Week 2 of the 2023 season. Chubb suffered extensive damage to his left knee, including an MCL tear and damage involving his meniscus and medial capsule. The injury required multiple surgeries and ended his 2023 season.
The setback was especially significant because Chubb had already suffered a devastating injury to the same knee while playing college football at Georgia in 2015.
After returning to the NFL, Chubb struggled to consistently reach the level of production he had shown before the injury.
Nick Chubb’s injury history
Injuries became a major part of the final chapter of Chubb’s football career.
While playing for Georgia in 2015, Chubb suffered a severe left-knee injury involving the MCL, PCL and LCL. Despite the setback, he made a successful comeback and eventually became a second-round NFL draft pick.
His next major knee injury came with the Browns in 2023.
Before that injury, Chubb had averaged 5.2 yards per carry in the NFL. After returning, his average dropped to around 3.7 yards per carry, illustrating how much the injury affected his production.
Chubb returned during the 2024 season but was limited to eight games. He also missed the final three games of that season because of a broken foot.
He later joined Houston and played 15 games during the 2025 campaign.
Nick Chubb’s NFL career
Chubb entered the NFL in 2018 and quickly demonstrated his ability as an elite running back.
As a rookie, he rushed for 996 yards and eight touchdowns. His numbers improved in subsequent seasons, leading to four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 through 2022.
His best season came in 2022, when he rushed for 1,525 yards and ranked third in the NFL. He was also named a Second-Team All-Pro.
During his time in Cleveland, Chubb became one of the Browns’ most important offensive players and was known for his physical running style, vision and consistency.
His career ultimately combined outstanding production with the challenge of recovering from major injuries.
Nick Chubb contract and career earnings
Chubb signed his biggest NFL contract in 2021 when he agreed to a three-year extension with Cleveland worth approximately $36.6 million to $36.8 million.
According to Spotrac figures cited in reports, Chubb earned approximately $38.867 million in NFL salary during his eight-year career.
After leaving Cleveland, he signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Houston Texans for the 2025 season.
Despite the injuries that affected his later career, Chubb accumulated substantial earnings during his time in the NFL.
Nick Chubb net worth
Nick Chubb’s net worth has been estimated at approximately $22 million to $25 million in published reports.
Net-worth figures for professional athletes are estimates and can vary depending on the source, investments and endorsement income.
His NFL salary represents the main foundation of his wealth, while commercial partnerships have also added to his earnings.
Chubb has been associated with brands including Reign Body Fuel, MyFitnessPal and Abercrombie.
With reported NFL career earnings of nearly $39 million, Chubb leaves professional football with a strong financial foundation.
Nick Chubb’s legacy
Nick Chubb retires as one of the most accomplished running backs of his generation.
His four Pro Bowl selections, 2022 All-Pro recognition and excellent rushing efficiency helped establish him as one of the NFL’s premier backs during his prime.
His ability to overcome adversity also stands out. After suffering a devastating knee injury in college, Chubb returned to become a star at Georgia and eventually entered the NFL.
He later faced another serious knee injury in Cleveland but fought his way back to the field.
Although his career ended earlier than many fans expected, Chubb’s contributions to the Browns and his reputation as a powerful and highly productive running back will remain an important part of his NFL legacy.
Nick Chubb retirement: What happens next?
Chubb’s retirement means he will not play during the 2026 NFL season.
At 30, he is still relatively young compared with many former NFL players, but the physical demands of the running back position and his extensive injury history provide important context for his decision.
After eight NFL seasons, four Pro Bowl selections and nearly $39 million in reported career earnings, Nick Chubb has closed the playing chapter of his football career.
His journey from a serious college knee injury to NFL stardom and, ultimately, retirement is a remarkable story of talent, resilience and perseverance.
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