Chuba Hubbard
Getty
Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard
The 2025 Carolina Panthers are aiming to achieve something theyhaven’t done since 2017: make the Playoffs. The quest to achieve that goal begins next week, and one of the biggest x-factors in attaining that goal will be running back Chuba Hubbard.
Hubbard is entering his fifth season in Carolina, and he has begun to establish himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL. Last season, Hubbard had 250 rushes for 1,195 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Hubbard also added a career high of 43 receptions.
Following the trade of Adam Thielen and now the injury to Jalen Coker, Hubbard will now have to carry more of a workload as the season begins. Hubbard is preparing for this, though, and that preparation has shown throughout training camp.
Strong Training Camp
Chuba Hubbard showcased what had made him such an effective runner over the past few seasons during Panthers training camp.
Kassidy Hill ofPanthers.com, in her August 19 training article, detailed a play that showcasedHubbard’s toughness and elusiveness as a runner.
“On the first play of the final move-the-ball drill, Hubbard took a handoff and broke off the right tackle,”Hill said. “He drove his way through traffic and found an edge before racing down the right sideline. It looked to be a wide-open touchdown run, so Jimmy Horn Jr. and Raheem Blackshear both sprinted down the sideline with him, hyping him up and screaming along the way.”
Hill then details how defensive back Mike Jackson had an angle on Hubbard, but itdidn’t matter.
“Mike Jackson had an angle from the far side of the field, though, and the speed to at least try to catch up with the back. He sprinted across the grass, making a final push for Hubbard at the goal line,”Hill continued. “Hubbard was too far ahead, though, stepping into the end zone and holding the ball out for good measure before Jackson could grab him.”
On the field is not the only area Hubbard has been trying to step up in, but also his leadership, and he is helping to build a winning culture in Carolina.
Hubbard Setting the Tone
Just as Chuba Hubbard has improved on the field over the past few years, he has also stepped up his leadership skills. The Panthers are a young team in need of a team identity, and Hubbard is trying to develop one.
In KassidyHill’s August 19 training camp article, she mentioned a story about Hubbard taking charge during a practice.
“Hubbard also notably pushed the offense through a quick gasser midway through practice, unsatisfied with their play,”Hill said. “The marriage of that leadership and both plays—the physicality and the right cut—highlight why Hubbard was able to surpass 1,000-plus yards last season andwas rewarded with a long-term contract by the Panthers.”
Hill has also expressed extreme confidence in this Panthers team. Hubbard talked to Scott Fowler ofThe Charlotte Observer about theteam’s Super Bowl aspirations.
“If the goalisn’t to make the playoffs and win a Super Bowl,you’re selling yourself short,”Hubbard said. “Sothat’s always been the goal.That’s the goal this year. And I thinkwe’re the closestwe’ve ever been.”
Hubbard believes in the Panthers, andhe’s shown thathe’s ready to lead by example.