Mike Tomlin’s reaction to Nick Chubb’s retirement announcement was brief, respectful, and perfectly on-brand.
Tomlin was among the thousands who congratulated Chubb on a tremendous career on social media after he announced he was stepping away.
“Congratulations, Mr. Chubb,” Tomlin said. “It was always a pleasure and a challenge to face you. Respect.”
Tomlin consistently referred to Chubb as “Mr. Chubb” during their many meetings as AFC North rivals. The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, who stepped down after the 2025 season and joined NBC as an analyst, once explained that the title was intended to convey Chubb’s importance to Cleveland.
“If you’re talking about the Cleveland Browns, man, it starts with Mr. Chubb,” Tomlin said in 2023. “The way he controls the game, he keeps them on schedule, he controls the climate.”
Chubb repeatedly justified that respect. He played 14 career games against the Steelers, including two postseason meetings — one of those during his final season with the Texans.
The Steelers also occupy a complicated place in Chubb’s career. He suffered a catastrophic knee injury against Pittsburgh in 2023.
His first game against the Steelers following the injury produced one of the most memorable moments of his comeback. Chubb scored twice in the snow, including the winning touchdown with 57 seconds remaining in a 24-19 Browns victory. Ahead of that game, Tomlin again made his admiration clear.
“Mr. Chubb, just got so much respect for his game and his body of work and his capabilities,” Tomlin said. “From an appreciative football standpoint, it’s really good to see him back.”
Nick Chubb Still a Brown at Heart
GettyNick Chubb spent seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
Chubb called it a career after eight seasons, seven of which were spent with the Browns.
“I’ve known for some time now, but I’m finally ready to share that I’m done playing football,” Chubb wrote.
Chubb acknowledged that his career did not unfold exactly as he envisioned. But he found solace knowing he left it all on the field.
“What’s most frustrating, but also gives me peace, is that I know for a fact I gave it my all,” Chubb said. “I know I put myself in the right position to achieve all of those things. But it just didn’t happen for me.”
Despite spending his final season with the Houston Texans, Chubb made it clear where his heart remains. He ended the message with: “Till the day I die it will always be: GO DAWGS. GO BROWNS!!!”
His former Browns teammates flooded the post with messages.
“Chubb the great! Major respect,” ex-Browns receiver Amari Cooper wrote.
“Love you bro still one of the greatest. Nothing left to prove. I’ll be in touch,” Chubb’s former Browns backfield partner Kareem Hunt added.
Former Browns tight end David Njoku wrote, “Salute my brother. Your impact will never be forgotten.”
Browns Want Nick Chubb in Ring of Honor
GettyNick Chubb runs the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A ceremonial one-day contract would allow Chubb to officially retire as a member of the Browns, although the team has not yet announced plans for one.
However, there is no uncertainty about how Cleveland intends to honor him. When Chubb left for Houston, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said they looked forward to celebrating him as a member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor.
Chubb finished his seven seasons in Cleveland with 6,843 rushing yards, trailing only Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly in franchise history.
The four-time Pro Bowler recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 through 2022. He also helped Cleveland win its first playoff game in 26 years — fittingly, against Tomlin and the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin Had Perfect Response to Nick Chubb’s Retirement