Chuba Hubbard among elite NFL rushers, joins exclusive Canadian club

Chuba Hubbard, the starting running back for the Carolina Panthers, achieved a significant milestone in the NFL this season by reaching 1,000 rushing yards. This accomplishment not only places him among the league’s top running backs but also makes him just the second Canadian player to achieve this feat in a single season.

After Hubbard’s standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he rushed for 92 yards, his teammates informed him of his achievement. Hubbard expressed his excitement and gratitude for reaching this milestone, especially as a Canadian player in the NFL.

Rueben Mayes, another Canadian running back, achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints in 1986. Hubbard was thrilled to be mentioned alongside Mayes and acknowledged the significance of being part of this exclusive club of Canadian players.

In the games following his 1,000-yard milestone, Hubbard continued to excel, setting a career-high of 1,195 rushing yards for the season. His exceptional performance, including scoring two touchdowns in a crucial overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals, earned him NFC offensive player of the week honors.

Hubbard’s success this season is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as he has taken on a significant role in the Panthers’ offense due to injuries to other running backs. His performance led to a contract extension with Carolina, highlighting his value as a key player for the team.

Dave Naylor, a football analyst, emphasized the significance of Hubbard’s achievements in the NFL, particularly as a running back in a competitive league. Naylor praised Hubbard for securing a second contract with the Panthers, highlighting the challenges that running backs face in the NFL.

Additionally, another Canadian running back, Chase Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals, is close to surpassing 1,000 rushing yards this season. The success of both Hubbard and Brown reflects the growing opportunities and exposure for Canadian players in U.S. football.

As more Canadian players excel in skill positions in college football and transition to the NFL, the future looks promising for Canadian talent in the league. Hubbard remains focused on his ultimate goal of winning an NFL championship, emphasizing the importance of hard work and gratitude for his journey in football.

Overall, Hubbard’s achievements this season showcase the talent and potential of Canadian players in the NFL, paving the way for future generations of athletes to make their mark on the league.