He wasn’t wearing a helmet, just headphones. The gym lights hit like stadium spotlights as he pushed through another brutal rep—shoulders flexed, eyes locked on the mirror. No team logo. No press. Just the quiet rhythm of a man who’s not done yet. And in Dallas, a certain former star couldn’t help but notice. It started with a cryptic tweet. Then the replies flooded in. The fans knew who it was. So did the insiders. And when the rumors snowballed into full-blown Super Bowl talk, one Cowboys legend threw down a challenge so bold, it turned a free agent’s comeback campaign into a potential rallying cry.

After suffering a torn MCL and ACL in 2023 and missing nine games in 2024, four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb finds himself in unfamiliar territory: unsigned and uncertain. Once the engine behind Cleveland’s ground-and-pound offense, Chubb’s contract quietly expired as Browns GM Andrew Berry shifted focus to younger backs during the draft. Now, Chubb’s NFL future hinges on one question—who’s willing to gamble on greatness, even if it’s slightly battered?

Churning through the offseason rumor mill, speculation has grown that Jerry Jones is eyeing reinforcements in the backfield. The two names floating atop the shortlist: Chubb and Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins. Both are rehabbing injuries. Both are determined. And both would bring a thumping presence to a Cowboys offense looking for a bruiser to balance out Dak Prescott’s air attack.

Adding fuel to the fire, Terrence Parsons Jr.—brother of Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons—tweeted about Dallas potentially trading a second-round pick. It didn’t take long for Cowboys legend Dez Bryant to jump in, tweeting: “If we mess around and get Nick Chubb..I might lose my mind. Cowboys win the Super Bowl..I’m going to get my damn ring 😂”

The only downside that Jerry Jones might notice in the 4-times Pro Bowler is his troubled injury history. Chubb, of course, was originally drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Browns in 2018. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in four straight seasons before injuries derailed his momentum. Since 2020, he has suffered regular injuries that have forced him to miss games. Still, his Instagram training updates show a determined athlete built like a tank and training like one, too.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys fans were over the moon about their Hall of Famer, Troy Aikman‘s comments that they could win the Super Bowl. However, he didn’t take long to break everyone’s hearts by revealing he was half-joking. Yet, America’s Team isn’t wavering from its path.

Jerry Jones’ calculated approach

There’s another reason Cowboys fans haven’t dismissed the possibility. The team just promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach—a move that carries more internal confidence than external fanfare. Despite backlash from the fanbase about the team’s draft picks, EVP Stephen Jones said the front office “got the guys we wanted.” And part of that planning might include a veteran insurance policy at running back. While Dez is dreaming of rings, Cowboys legend Troy Aikman kept things grounded.

Speaking about Jones’ coaching decision, Aikman said: “Sure, over the next few months, as far as how people are talking about your team, but when the season rolls around Week 1 — whether it’s Ben Johnson, Kellen Moore or Brian Schottenheimer — everybody’s being judged on a level playing field, and it’s all about winning.” He’s right. Talk means little when the pads go on.

And Jerry Jones? He rarely pays top dollar for coaches. The Schottenheimer move was part economics, part trust. Even Dak Prescott backed the promotion, a signal that Dallas is unified internally, if not yet fully aligned with fan expectations. If Chubb walks through The Star’s doors, he won’t just be bringing cleats and compression wraps. He’d be carrying the hopes of Dez Bryant, the whispers of Troy Aikman, and the weight of a fanbase starving for a true closer.

The Cowboys are flirting with a bold bet. One that could either break their hearts—or finally end the drought.