BEREA — Former Browns General Manager John Dorsey hesitated to answer the question during a one-on-one interview in September 2019 because he didn't want to ruffle feathers by singling out one player.
But after a moment of careful consideration, Dorsey went on the record with the truth.
There was someone on the roster he wanted other players to emulate above all.
It was Nick Chubb , and the statement could have been considered a bold one back then because the running back had only one NFL season under his belt.
"When I talk about competitiveness, good football players, good in the locker room, everything that exemplifies what this organization is trying to achieve, I think it's Nick Chubb ," Dorsey said.
Chubb has only strengthened his status as the model Browns player since Dorsey uttered those words four years ago.
No one has worked harder, complained less or maximized his elite talent more.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Chubb is a rare low-maintenance, high-production superstar. If the Browns had the equivalent to Chubb at quarterback, Patrick Mahomes would be the face of their franchise.
Chubb sacrificed for the Browns and became their heart and soul, the offense's most dangerous weapon and the best pure ball carrier in the league. His quiet nature has prevented him from becoming a media darling, but he is still a fan favorite — the ultimate easy-to-root-for guy.
It's why the gruesome, season-ending left knee injury Chubb suffered on Monday night early in the second quarter of a 26-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers is so devastating, so heartbreaking.
The Browns were understandably somber afterward, but they weren't alone. Because of the respect Chubb has earned throughout the league, some Steelers players were also rattled while discussing the injury in the home locker room at Acrisure Stadium.
Chubb blew out the same knee as a University of Georgia sophomore on Oct. 10, 2015, against Tennessee. If there's any silver lining, perhaps it's that Chubb suffered three torn ligaments in college , but his anterior cruciate ligament wasn't among them.
No one should bet against Chubb, 27, but a comeback attempt will be daunting.
In the meantime, the 2023 Browns season is not over, especially because the defense has been holding up its end of the bargain.
However, life without Chubb will be difficult.
The Browns (1-1) will be challenged with overcoming the psychological ramifications Sunday at home against the Tennessee Titans (1-1).
NFL players are accustomed to injuries, but losing someone of Chubb's importance is different than a typical setback. It's emotionally draining, and a hangover effect is a possibility.
By Friday, four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett said he thought the team's collective spirits were high, though he conceded its morale dropped on "Monday Night Football" as a result of Chubb's brutal injury.
Several of Chubb's teammates have said they will play for him. Drawing inspiration from everything Chubb symbolizes is the correct approach, though players will need to strike a proper balance to avoid pressing in his absence.
At the same time, there should be an increased sense of urgency for others to rise to the occasion, with the spotlight focusing on quarterback Deshaun Watson more than anyone else. If he's ever going to play like a $230 million man, it needs to start this weekend.
No more excuses for lackluster performances.
Just get the job done.
The best way for the Browns to honor Chubb is to be more like Chubb.
They should still be able to field an adequate running game without him, but it won't be quite the same with Jerome Ford , the recently re-signed Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. combining in an effort to fill his shoes.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has preached "next men up" instead of "next man up" in this scenario. Stefanski addressed the team Wednesday, essentially asking players and coaches how Chubb would want them to respond to this adversity.
"We've got to keep pushing for him. I know he would want that," wide receiver Elijah Moore said.
The offense relied on Chubb even more than most people realize. The mere threat of him carrying the ball made a difference.
Put another way by Garrett, "Nick is potentially a Hall of Fame running back."
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What's often overlooked about Chubb is his home-run ability, so to speak.
Since Chubb entered the NFL as a 2018 second-round draft pick (No. 35 overall), he ranks first in the league with 195 rushes of 10-plus yards and 60 rushes of 20-plus yards. Those plays have rescued the Cleveland offense time and again, giving it an element few teams in the league possess.
Ford reversed course on a run against the Steelers and broke loose for a 69-yard gain, yet whether he can do it consistently and be efficient instead of a feast-or-famine back are key questions.
More answers will be revealed Sunday as the Browns hope to rally around everything Chubb represents.
More on Nick Chubb's injury: Browns weigh need to tackle Titans' Derrick Henry low, without repeat of teammate's horrific injury
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns should emulate Nick Chubb to honor him after knee injury
