Despite a playoff-less season, Chase Brown made NFL history in his third season with the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown delivered one of the most productive individual seasons in franchise history during a year that ended without a playoff berth. Brown finished the 2025 season with 1,456 scrimmage yards, establishing a new NFL record for the most scrimmage yards by a Canadian-born player. He surpassed the previous mark set by Rueben Mayes in 1986 and reached the milestone with 90 scrimmage yards in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati closed the season 6-11, but Brown emerged as the team’s premier running back and one of its most consistent offensive contributors. A native of London, Ontario, Brown solidified his role as the focal point of the Bengals’ backfield after being selected in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Illinois. His blend of rushing efficiency and receiving production made him a reliable option regardless of game script.
Brown’s 2025 Production and Path to the NFL
Brown finished the season with 232 rushing attempts for 1,019 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, and scored six rushing touchdowns. As a receiver, he added 69 catches for 437 yards and five touchdowns, bringing his total to 1,456 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns. That touchdown total also tied the Canadian single-season NFL record.
Several performances defined Brown’s breakout year. In Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he produced 108 rushing yards on just 11 carries, playing a central role in a tight Cincinnati win. Brown also recorded 107 rushing yards against the New England Patriots in Week 12, part of a stretch in which he became increasingly central to the offense. From Week 7 to 13, Brown posted six consecutive games with at least 100 scrimmage yards, a franchise record for the Bengals.
Brown’s journey to this point began well before his NFL debut. After starting his college career at Western Michigan, he transferred to Illinois, where he delivered consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and established himself as one of the most productive backs in the Big Ten. That production led to his selection by Cincinnati in 2023, where he initially worked in a complementary role before earning increased responsibility.
By 2025, Brown had transitioned fully into a lead role. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver allowed Cincinnati to maintain offensive balance and reduced pressure on the passing game.
Although the Bengals failed to reach the postseason for a third straight year, Brown’s season now stands apart on an individual level.