North Charlotte Today

Chuba Hubbard, the running back for the Carolina Panthers, has been named the NFC offensive player of the week following his decisive performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Hubbard scored a walk-off touchdown in overtime, securing a victory for his team. He carried the ball 25 times for 152 yards and scored two touchdowns during the game, including a crucial 21-yard run that ended the match.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales praised Hubbard's character and resilience, particularly after a previous fumble in an overtime loss to the Buccaneers earlier this month. "It speaks to his character," Canales stated. "That's just who he is. He's going to go right back to work, and we're going to keep giving him the ball, especially in these types of moments."

The game-winning play was described by Canales as an "old school duo play," where players executed their blocks correctly, allowing Hubbard to secure the ball and finish in the end zone. This marked Hubbard's tenth touchdown of the season and moved him into fifth place on the Panthers' all-time rushing touchdown list with 22.

Hubbard expressed relief at redeeming himself after his earlier mistake against Tampa Bay. "Obviously, I was down in that moment, but I knew that I would get another one and that I'd do right by it," he said. He added that having another opportunity and succeeding was "a blessing from God."

Hubbard signed a contract extension in November that will keep him with the Panthers through 2028. This season, he has achieved career-highs with 250 rushes for 1,195 yards and ten touchdowns.