Dolphins-Browns marks ‘bittersweet’ family reunion for Bradley and Nick Chubb

Bradley Chubb’s first game as a Dolphin in Hard Rock Stadium will mark the beginning of “Part 2” of his professional career, but also a family reunion of sorts.

Chubb, in aqua and orange, faces off against his cousin, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb Sunday. It will be the fourth clash between the pair, with Nick’s teams winning two out of three matchups. Bradley said it’s always bittersweet when the two meet on the football field.

“It’s dope,” Bradley said Wednesday. “The whole family aspect of it. You always want to cheer for him and see him do well. When we get a chance to play it was kind of a bittersweet moment, because, yeah, it’s family, but at the end of the day you still want to win and go out there and do your job. It’s fun, though, for sure. Just seeing all the success he’s had, all the good things he’s been doing this season and being able to go out there and share the field with him is cool.”

Bradley arrived in Miami from the Denver Broncos last Wednesday after the Dolphins acquired him — and a 2025 fifth-round pick — in exchange for Miami’s 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick and running back Chase Edmonds on the day of the NFL’s trade deadline. Less than two days later, Bradley signed a five-year extension with the Dolphins, making him the sixth-highest-paid edge rusher in the league, reaping an average annual salary of $22 million.

He made his debut for Miami on Sunday at Chicago against the Bears. He played 52 snaps, which ranked second most among the team’s outside linebackers. He only recorded one tackle, but did a solid job of pressuring quarterback Justin Fields. Bradley said he hopes Sunday’s game against Nick and the Browns marks an improvement on the stat sheet.

“I feel like last week I was kind of playing a little tentative just because I didn’t really know,” Bradley said. “I didn’t want to mess up and stuff like that. But now I’m just trying to let my hair down… and just go out there and play.”

In evaluating the Browns’ offense, Bradley talked about the stellar play of his cousin and fellow running back. Nick leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 10, and Bradley described him as someone who gets better as the game goes on and sits “in a league of his own.” Bradley called Hunt “electric,” and said he “bounces off and gains acceleration” when defenders manage to hit him.

The key to stopping Cleveland’s run will be playing disciplined in the gaps, Bradley said.

As far as any other Chubbs expected at the game Sunday in Miami, Bradley’s mom and his entire family will be there. As far as jerseys go, Bradley said his side of the family reps his jersey, while Nick’s side reps his. No attempt at neutrality.

Their moms, Stacey and Lavelle, are very close and pray with each other every Friday, Bradley said, which breathes an added significance to his and Nick’s semi-annual meetings in the NFL

“Seeing both people speaking life into us and then going out there and doing what we do is nothing short of amazing,” Bradley said. “Just being able to share the field with him it’s just one of those things. It’s just surreal at the end of the day. But it’s fun for sure. And I know he’s gonna go out there and give his best game, and I’m gonna do the same. So it’s always good to get his best, too.”