Chuba Hubbard scores 15-yard touchdown to hand Panthers early game lead

Chuba Hubbard covered 15 yards on a single carry to reach the end zone, capping a 72-yard drive that consumed 4:00 of game time. The play, which required no third-down conversions, provided the Carolina Panthers with a 7-3 advantage over the Detroit Lions during Sunday Night Football. Hubbard’s performance brings renewed attention to his background, as the Canadian-born running back continues to build his career in the NFL. Born in Edmonton to a Nigerian father and a Canadian mother, Hubbard established his potential early by scoring 82 touchdowns during his high school career in Canada before becoming a unanimous All-American at Oklahoma State University. His professional trajectory was confirmed on November 7, 2024, when he signed a four-year contract extension with the Panthers valued at $33.2 million, with $15 million in guaranteed money. Before his time in the NFL, Hubbard led the NCAA with 2,094 rushing yards during the 2019 season. This latest scoring drive marks the second time this season that Hubbard has reached the end zone on the ground.