Some Cleveland Browns fans are unhappy with what they perceive as a disrespectful move involving Nick Chubb.
Safety Daniel Thomas, who signed with Cleveland on a two-year deal in March, has claimed No. 24 — the number worn by Chubb throughout his Browns career. The Browns officially unveiled jersey numbers for both new additions and returning players making a switch on Saturday.
Comments on the Browns’ post made clear that many in the Dawg Pound consider No. 24 untouchable.
“24 should be off limits,” one fan wrote.
“Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope. 24 and 85 are absolutely off limits unless your last name is Chubb and Njoku. I said what I said. Pick some new numbers my dudes,” another commented.
“24 should be retired,” a third fan added.
The frustration extended to No. 85 as well. Wide receiver Isaiah Wooden also picked up No. 85, the number long associated with tight end David Njoku. The former first-round pick will not return to Cleveland and is still looking for his next opportunity after nine seasons with the team.
Browns Expect Nick Chubb in Ring of Honor
The depth of feeling around No. 24 makes sense given what Chubb meant to the organization. The four-time Pro Bowler spent the first seven years of his career in Cleveland and ranks third on the Browns’ all-time rushing list with 6,843 yards. His tenure was defined by durability, toughness, and elite production before a catastrophic knee injury in 2023 derailed his final seasons with the team.
After parting ways with Chubb last offseason, Browns owners Dee Haslam and Jimmy Haslam said they expect him to one day be enshrined in the team’s Ring of Honor.
“Nick gave everything he had to our fans, this organization and this city. He always represented our team as the consummate professional and in a manner that showed his passion and love for the game of football,” the statement said. “Thank you for being a Brown, Nick, and we look forward to the day we celebrate your career as a member of our Ring of Honor.”
Nick Chubb Searching for Next Opportunity
Chubb signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Houston Texans last June. He rushed for 506 yards in 15 games for Houston last season but saw his opportunities dwindle down the stretch. Chubb is currently a free agent.
Chubb recently surfaced in a video showcasing his trademark workout routine. Retirement isn’t on his radar. A return to Cleveland, though, appears unlikely.
The Browns are moving forward with Quinshon Judkins as the lead back, while Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders are expected to carve out roles in the rotation.
Offensively, it will be a different operation in Cleveland under Todd Monken, who takes over for Kevin Stefanski after multiple stagnant seasons. Cleveland finished near the bottom of the league across the board offensively last year, averaging just 262.1 yards and 16.4 points per game. Those are numbers Monken is being brought in to fix, fast.
His first task will be finding a quarterback who can spark the offense. Cleveland is holding an “open competition” between Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.
Browns Ripped for Nick Chubb-Related Move