Derrick Henry has Texans RB Nick Chubb ready to show age is just a number

The perception exists that the prime of a career for an NFL running back expires once he turns 30. Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb will be 30 on Dec. 27. 

Chubb explained to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime in an article published Friday why he believes he can follow in the footsteps of Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry as a running back who continues to thrive into his 30s.

"[Henry] is different," Chubb said. "You are not gonna put him in that category. He showed it's not true. And I think that applies for me. I'm in the category with them. I'm different, and I feel good as I have been."

Henry turned 30 in January 2024 before signing with the Ravens last offseason. Per ESPN stats, the two-time rushing champion then finished the 2024 campaign leading the NFL with 16 touchdowns on the ground (tied with two others). He was also second in the league with 1,921 rushing yards. 

That said, Chubb is not merely attempting to turn the clock back while with the Texans. He suffered a gruesome torn ACL, torn MCL, torn meniscus and torn medial capsule in September 2023 while with the Cleveland Browns. He ultimately returned to action last October, but averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry before he went down with a broken foot in December. 

Cleveland let Chubb reach free agency in March, and he accepted a one-year, $2.5M deal that can be worth up to $5M from the Texans in June. 

"The last few years have been a little rough for me," Chubb acknowledged while speaking with Bien-Aime. "I got a chance to go home, get a good offseason, then get back to who I am, and I'm ready to put it all together."

Houston RB1 Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury that could sideline him for the club's Week 1 game at the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7. This would allow Chubb to show what he has left in the tank as he attempts to revive his career.