Last of NFL’s Elite Running Backs Recalls Dark Times: “My Career is Probably Over”

One of the most formidable RB, Nick Chubb, had some beans to spill. He recently appeared on ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ and much of the talk centered around the current running back situation in the league. He pointed out that both Josh Jacobs and Jonathon Taylor received unfair treatment in terms of compensation and long-term extensions, despite their years of loyalty to their teams.

However, the Pro Bowler’s interview covered more than just that. He also discussed a serious injury from his college days, a grotesque knee injury that shocked everyone and nearly ended his playing career.

Nick Chubb pretty much lost it all

As the Browns man discussed the challenges of the running back position, known as one of the toughest due to its diversity and injury risks, the conversation turned to an unfortunate event from October 2015 while facing Tennessee Volunteers. The show’s host brought up how many fans, including themselves, had seen the graphic injury video and were worried that it could have ended Chubb’s career. They asked Chubb about his feelings at that moment when he was lying on the field after the injury.

The Pro Bowler explained that it was a different time back then, recalling his incredible freshman season and his contender status for the Heisman campaign. However, it all went wrong, as he shared, “In that one play, I pretty much lost it all.” He described tearing everything in his left knee except the ACL and MCL. At the time, he didn’t think much of it because he was young, but seeing the injury video and hearing the doctors talk about it made him realize the severity. He mentioned reflecting on a similar injury to Marcus Lattimore, who couldn’t return to the game, thinking, “So (in) my mind, I’m thinking, my career is probably over.”

Read More: Colts Owner Fires Back at Running Back Roundtables and RB’s Agent Doesn’t Hold Back on the Back-and-Forth

Despite this setback, Chubb made an impressive and miraculous comeback, becoming a top performer in his position. However, he expressed disappointment in how players in his position are treated despite giving their all to the game.

Is the league undervaluing running backs?

Following the injury discussion, the host raised the issue of the devaluation and overuse of the RB position in the league. Mentioning a recent running back Zoom meeting, the host asked Chubb for his thoughts. Chubb began by saying, “I think we are in a tough spot,” highlighting how running backs are expected to run, catch, and block, which are crucial aspects of the game. However, the league doesn’t seem willing to negotiate or value their contributions. Chubb speculated that this might be due to their ‘wear and tear‘ and the higher likelihood of injuries compared to other players, making them easily replaceable.

The running back situation presents a challenge for the league, leaving even experts puzzled about how to address it. Only time will reveal if better offers will be made without compromising the team’s future.

Watch This Story: “I love you”: $245 million Russell Wilson and Ciara celebrate the special day of their future successor