Bradley Chubb

    0
    Image of Bradley Chubb
    Image of Player Bradley Chubb

    Bradley Chubb Bio

    Bradley Austin Chubb is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 24, 1996, in Austell, Georgia, Chubb rose from a productive high school career in Georgia to become one of the most decorated defensive players in North Carolina State history. He was selected by the Denver Broncos with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and later emerged as a Pro Bowl pass rusher before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2022.

    Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 269 pounds, Chubb has built his reputation on relentless edge pressure, disciplined hand technique, and the ability to force fumbles in critical situations. Across his NFL career, he has earned two Pro Bowl selections and recognition as one of the league’s premier outside linebackers.

    Early Life and Background

    Bradley Austin Chubb was born on June 24, 1996, in Austell, Georgia, a small community located southwest of Atlanta. He grew up in a household shaped by football, as his father, Aaron Chubb, was a late-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1989. This family connection to the sport helped foster Chubb’s early interest in defensive football and the physical demands of the position.

    Chubb attended Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he developed into a hybrid linebacker-defensive end. During his senior season, he helped the Hillgrove Hawks advance to the Georgia 6A quarterfinals, showcasing the combination of size, speed, and instincts that would later define his collegiate career. His performance drew scholarship offers from several major programs, including Duke, West Virginia, Wake Forest, and East Carolina.

    On his birthday, June 24, 2013, Chubb officially committed to North Carolina State University, choosing the Wolfpack over a competitive group of suitors. The decision launched his path toward becoming one of the most decorated defensive players in program history.

    Path to American Football

    Chubb arrived at NC State in the summer of 2014 and quickly adjusted to the college game. As a freshman, he saw marginal playing time, contributing mostly on special teams while learning the Wolfpack defensive scheme. Before his sophomore year, the coaching staff made a pivotal decision to move him from outside linebacker to defensive end, a switch that allowed his physical tools to flourish.

    By the start of his sophomore season, Chubb had broken into the starting lineup, and his production rose sharply. As a junior, he became a team leader off the field while finishing third in the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles for loss. His performance during the 2016 Independence Bowl, where he sacked Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur, made a favorable impression on NFL scouts, including Shurmur’s father, Pat Shurmur, who later scouted Chubb extensively.

    His senior season transformed him into a national sensation. Chubb recorded ten sacks and 72 total tackles, with 23 tackles for loss ranking second among NCAA Division I players. He passed Mario Williams to become NC State’s all-time leader in both sacks and tackles for loss, cementing his legacy before declaring for the NFL Draft.

    Bradley Chubb Career

    Early Career (2018)

    The Denver Broncos selected Bradley Chubb in the first round with the fifth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the first defensive end taken that year. On June 21, 2018, the Broncos signed him to a fully guaranteed four-year, $27.27 million contract that included a $17.91 million signing bonus.

    Chubb entered training camp slated as a starting outside linebacker and was paired alongside veteran Von Miller. He made his regular-season debut in the Broncos’ opener against the Seattle Seahawks, recording three combined tackles and a half sack in a victory. He went on to start all 16 games, finishing with 60 combined tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection, while earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

    Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2018-2022)

    Chubb’s rookie year established him as a foundational piece of the Broncos defense. His first career sack came against Seattle’s Russell Wilson in Week 1, and he later posted a season-high three sacks against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October.

    Injuries disrupted his 2019 and 2021 seasons, but Chubb returned to form in 2020. On December 21, 2020, he was voted to the 2021 Pro Bowl after appearing in 14 games with 7.5 sacks and 42 tackles. On April 30, 2021, the Broncos exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, guaranteeing $12.72 million for the 2022 season.

    Through his Denver tenure, Chubb proved durable when healthy and emerged as one of the league’s most productive edge rushers, building the resume that would attract interest from teams seeking a proven pass rusher.

    Miami Dolphins Era (2022-Present)

    On November 1, 2022, the Denver Broncos traded Bradley Chubb and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for running back Chase Edmonds, a 2023 first-round pick acquired from San Francisco, and a 2024 fourth-round pick. Chubb then signed a five-year, $110 million extension with $63.2 million guaranteed. He finished the 2022 season with eight sacks, 39 tackles, and three fumble recoveries.

    On January 30, 2023, Chubb was named to his second Pro Bowl, replacing Khalil Mack. During the 2023 season, he delivered a career-defining performance in Week 15 against the New York Jets, recording seven tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in a 30-0 shutout, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Unfortunately, a torn ACL suffered in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens ended his 2023 campaign.

    On July 18, 2024, Chubb was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list as he continued his recovery. He was later placed on reserve to begin the 2024 season.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    Chubb’s game is built on a powerful first step, long-arm technique, and the ability to convert speed into power at the line of scrimmage. He excels at setting the edge against the run while remaining a consistent threat to collapse the pocket on passing downs. His disciplined hand usage and football intelligence have made him equally effective against both the run and the pass.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Among the signature moments of Chubb’s career is his three-sack, two-forced-fumble performance against the New York Jets in 2023, which he followed with AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He also set NC State’s all-time records for sacks and tackles for loss, surpassing former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams in both categories.

    Bradley Chubb Career Wins

    While linebackers are not measured by traditional win totals, Bradley Chubb’s victories are reflected in his two Pro Bowl selections, his 2018 PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition, and his place among the NFL’s premier edge rushers. Across his professional career, he has produced multiple multi-sack games and consistently ranked among the league’s most disruptive defenders.

    NFL Highlights

    Chubb’s first multi-sack game came in October 2018 against the Los Angeles Rams, when he recorded three sacks on quarterback Jared Goff. He has since added multiple games with two or more sacks, including a three-sack performance against the New York Jets in 2023. His two Pro Bowl selections, in 2020 and 2022, remain the most visible recognition of his consistent production.

    Other Awards and Performances

    Chubb earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in October 2018 and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his dominant performance against the Jets in 2023. In 2023, he also tied for the NFL lead in forced fumbles, reinforcing his reputation as a playmaker in critical situations.

    Bradley Chubb Family

    Family Background and Football Lineage

    Bradley Chubb comes from a family with a deep football tradition. His father, Aaron Chubb, was a late-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1989. His brother, Brandon Chubb, played college football at Wake Forest and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2016. Chubb is also the cousin of Nick Chubb, who starred at the University of Georgia and was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 35th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, just thirty picks after Bradley.

    Personal Life

    Bradley Chubb maintains close ties to his family and has spoken publicly about the influence of his father’s NFL background on his own career. While he keeps much of his personal life private, his bond with his brother Brandon and cousin Nick reflects the central role that family and football have played throughout his journey.

    2025 Season Outlook

    Bradley Chubb is expected to return to the Miami Dolphins in 2025 after recovering from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season. His placement on the active/physically unable to perform list in July 2024 signaled a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, and the Dolphins are likely to monitor his workload carefully during the early portion of the season.

    With a five-year, $110 million contract that runs through 2027, Chubb remains a central piece of Miami’s defensive plans. His pairing with the Dolphins’ defensive scheme, combined with his proven pass-rushing résumé, positions him to play a major role in 2025 if he returns to full health.

    Chubb’s primary focus will be reclaiming his Pro Bowl form and providing veteran leadership on a Dolphins defense built to compete in the AFC. His recovery progress during training camp will be a key storyline heading into the 2025 season.