close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

news

Chuba Hubbard is showing an elite mentality following the Carolina Panthers expansion

Chuba Hubbard continued his emergence as a core part of the Carolina Panthers’ offensive strategy in 2024. He now has the chance to stay much longer after a sensational start to the campaign.

Those in power extended Hubbard to a four-year deal with $15 million in new guaranteed money. This was somewhat surprising considering they traded for Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 in the 2024 NFL Draft, but having more than one productive running back will only help head coach Dave Canales implement his stubborn ground game in the long run .

This is also an example of Dan Morgan wanting to reward those drafted by the organization who prove their worth. Hubbard has fought hard to establish himself after a disappointing rookie campaign. He has worked hard, set the tone when called upon, seized every opportunity and emerged as a respected leader in the dressing room.

Much has been made about paying running backs. It’s a contentious issue in the league for those who aren’t elite. Nothing is guaranteed, but the upward trajectory Hubbard has shown over the past three years makes this a good investment.

Judging by the player’s attitude towards achieving financial security, complacency will not become a problem.

If anything, Hubbard’s focus has only increased.

The former fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma State expressed his gratitude when speaking to the media after signing the deal. Hubbard also made no secret of his intentions to help change the culture of the franchise and close out his career in Carolina for good.

“I mean, it definitely lifts a burden off me. I’ve always wanted to take care of my family for the rest of my life and my mom and my sister and everyone in a good place, and to be able to do that and know that you hard work pays off, it definitely takes some of that stress off you. But at the end of the day, I want to be great for life, and I want to change the culture here and win games. So there’s still a lot of work to do.”

Chuba Hubbard via Panthers.com

This is exactly the kind of attitude that has taken Hubbard from a proverbial sideshow to someone worthy of a long-term deal.

Hubbard is a rags to riches story that any fan can get behind. The Canadian never wavered despite being written off after being burdened with responsibilities he wasn’t ready for due to Christian McCaffrey’s injury in 2021. If this ruthless mentality carries over to other players, the Panthers won’t be in the doldrums . much longer.

This expansion also offers the player a sense of security. Hubbard is more focused than most, so any distractions were unlikely to affect his performance level. But this supreme show of confidence from the decision makers will only make him strive harder for greatness.

It’s also an incentive for others like Brady Christensen and Tommy Tremble – others from the Class of 2021. Perform well, solidify your status and the reward will come.

That’s the culture Morgan is building. And it’s a relief.

More Carolina Panthers news and analysis