Browns Running Back Nick Chubb: "I Was Down For A While"

Nick Chubb has now experienced two season-ending and potentially career-altering injuries. He overcame the first one and is on the mend with this most recent knee injury.

Dec 17, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

September 18th in Western Pennsylvania was a brisk Monday night and the Browns were invading enemy territory as heavy favorites with an opportunity to start the year 2-0.

The game started horribly for Cleveland as the first snap of the game resulted in a "Pick-6" for the Steelers. An inaccurate pass deflected off the hands of Harrison Bryant and into the hands of Alex Highsmith, who took it into the endzone.

After the chaotic start to the game, the Browns did what they also do, rely on number 24. Nick Chubb balanced out the momentum of the game with his piercing and punishing runs. After the change of quarters, the Browns had the ball inside the five-yard line, ready to score.

They think I’m hiding in the shadows...watching...waiting to strike...but I am the shadows. 🦇 pic.twitter.com/0HWDsouzLF

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 5, 2024

They handed the ball off to Chubb and he sprinted past the line of scrimmage, only to be chopped down by Minkah Fitzpatrick. "Chopped" is usually a figurative word, but in this case, it is quite literal. Fitzpatrick's entire upper body hit Chubb right under his knee cap and effectively, everything in Chubb's leg, including the bone was destroyed.

Chubb hit the ground and immediatley signalled for help. Browns fans everywhere gasped as they knew exactly what had just happened.

At that moment, Chubb also knew what had happened since he had been there before. The days to follow this gruesome injury were some of the worst.

"I was down mentally for a while," Chubb said. "When you get hurt it's one thing, when you get hurt again and have to go through the entire process: surgery, rehab, a nonstop battle every day."

No one ever questioned if Chubb would return, the only question is what will it look like.

There is a very real world that features a very diminished version of Nick Chubb. There is also a world that exists where he gets back to 80 or 90 percent of what he once was.

One thing that is for certain that all Browns fans know is to never count number 24 out. Cleveland means everything to him and he means everything to Cleveland. If there was ever a guy to return from a horrific knee injury and get back to normal, it would be Nick Chubb.

When that day does come, be sure you have your popcorn ready because it will be a show.