Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, popularly known as RGIII, has set the NFL community abuzz with a tweet highlighting the ongoing debate about running back contracts and player injuries. RGIII, whose own promising career was marred by injuries, called for a virtual meeting among NFL running backs to address the issues surrounding their contracts, citing the recent injuries to Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb as alarming examples.

In his tweet, RGIII expressed his concern for NFL running backs and emphasized the need for another Zoom meeting to address the challenges they face. He particularly pointed out the practice of underpaying top-level running backs due to their higher risk of injuries while simultaneously overusing them—an issue that has sparked widespread debate.

Nick Chubb’s Injury and the Impact on the Debate

The timing of RGIII’s tweet was significant, as it followed the confirmation from Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski that star running back Nick Chubb would be out for the season due to a serious knee injury. This injury occurred during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the Browns suffered a 26-22 defeat.

Chubb’s injury resulted from a tackle by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, which caused an unnatural bend in his knee. Despite the rivalry between the teams, Steelers fans showed their support for Chubb as he left the field, giving him a standing ovation.

Also Read: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns RB, ‘out for season’ after knee injury vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Chubb’s Significance and the Impact of His Injury

Nick Chubb is a pivotal player in the Browns’ offense and is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier running backs. His remarkable 2021 season saw him achieve a career-high of 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. This season had also started promisingly for Chubb, with a strong performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in the opener.

However, Chubb’s injury, particularly to the same left knee that had suffered a significant injury during his college years at Georgia, has left a void in the Browns’ lineup and raised questions about player safety and compensation.

The Ongoing Debate About Running Back Contracts

The debate surrounding running back contracts centers on the changing dynamics in the NFL. Many teams have shifted their focus from investing heavily in star running backs to bolstering other positions and building solid offensive lines. The emergence of successful running backs from later draft rounds, such as Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, Dalvin Cook, and Joe Mixon, has also played a role in reshaping the market for running backs.

Economic Factors Behind Running Back Contracts

Economics, particularly the principles of supply and demand, play a significant role in running back contracts. With a surplus of talented running backs available in the NFL, teams face reduced demand for high-priced running backs. This economic reality has led to more conservative spending on running back positions.

Also Read: Who are the highest paid running backs in the NFL in 2023?

The Running Backs’ Perspective

Running backs, on the other hand, argue for fair compensation due to the physical demands of their position and their relatively short careers. They emphasize their contributions to both ground and passing games, making them essential components of an offense.