Veteran running back Nick Chubb spoke with Essentially Sports as he goes through his first season with his new squad with the Houston Texans.

The former All-Pro opened up about his mindset coming back from a severe knee injury and deciding to join forces with C.J. Stroud in Houston after spending his entire NFL career with the Cleveland Browns.

As the Texans have turned around a disappointing 0-3 start into winning six of their last eight games to jump right back into the Wild Card playoff hunt, Chubb’s workload and importance will increase and play a pivotal role in determining the team’s postseason fate.

He also detailed his partnership with REIGN Total Body Fuel and how it has impacted his performance on the football field.

Q: You’ve built a reputation as one of the toughest backs in football. What fuels your mindset every time you step on the field?

Chubb: Competing and doing my job. I take pride in being reliable and someone my teammates can count on.

Q: That knee injury was one of the toughest moments of your career. What was the hardest part of the rehab process, both physically and mentally?

Chubb: Mentally, just being patient. Recovery isn’t always pretty, but I showed up every day and stayed consistent.

Q: You recently partnered with REIGN Total Body Fuel. What led to the partnership?

Chubb: I’ve been drinking REIGN Total Body Fuel for a long time. It gives me steady, clean energy without all the extra stuff. It fits the way I train, so when the opportunity came up, it made sense.

Q: What separates this performance energy drink from everyone else?

Chubb: REIGN TBF lasts. It’s clean. And it keeps me locked in through the whole workout.

Q: What does it mean to represent the DNA of REIGN?

Chubb: For me, it means staying true to who I am: work hard, stay disciplined, don’t talk much. Just show up and do things the right way.

Q: Athletes often say injuries give them a new perspective. Did this setback change the way you view the game or your career?

Chubb: It reminded me how fast the game can be taken away. You appreciate every rep a little more after something like that.

Q: Now entering a new chapter with Houston, what personal goals have you set for yourself moving forward?

Chubb: Get back to playing at a high level. Help this team win. Keep pushing myself. That’s always the goal.

Q: Free agency brought you to Houston. Why did the Texans feel like the right fit for you?

Chubb: They believed in me from the start. The culture stood out, and it felt like a place where I could make an impact right away.

Q: Fans love to know who players are off the field. What do you hope to bring to the Texans’ locker room beyond stats and production?

Chubb: Consistency, energy, and being someone the younger guys can lean on.

Q: You’re known for patience, vision, and power. Which part of your running style defines you most?

Chubb: Patience and power. I read it, hit it, and keep driving.

Q: Every great RB has defenders they circle. Who do you look forward to competing against?

Chubb: The physical guys…the ones who make you earn every yard. I always enjoy any of those matchups.

Q: When fans think of Nick Chubb, there are a lot of highlights. Is there one run or moment that captures who you are as a player?

Chubb: Really, any run where I’m fighting through contact and pushing for extra yards!

Q: You’re now playing under DeMeco Ryans and alongside C.J. Stroud. What are your impressions of them as leaders?

Chubb: DeMeco sets the tone. C.J. is calm and steady. Both guys lead in a way I respect.

Q: The Texans’ offense is getting a lot of buzz. How do you see your style fitting into this system?

Chubb: I think it fits well. I run physical and keep the chains moving, and that helps open everything else up.