Nasir Adderley Eyes NFL Comeback After Three-Year Hiatus
Just one day after the Seattle Seahawks hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LX, another headline quietly emerged-one that could have ripple effects across NFL front offices this offseason. Former Chargers safety Nasir Adderley is officially plotting a return to the league after stepping away from football three years ago.
Adderley, a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, took to Instagram to share the news. In a candid post, he reflected on his time away from the game and the personal growth he's experienced since stepping away from the NFL after the 2022 season.
“It’s now been three years since I left the NFL, and I am extremely happy with my development,” Adderley wrote. “Health, family, and entrepreneurship were my top priorities, and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish.
The freedom to manage my own schedule was very important to me, but what I didn’t realize was how much I’d miss having football in my life. The competition, the brotherhood, and just being involved in the game that means so much to me and my family.”
That kind of message resonates, especially from a player who once looked like a long-term piece in a talented Chargers secondary. Adderley’s decision to walk away from the game at just 25 years old surprised many. But now, at 28, he’s signaling that the fire still burns-and he wants back in.
A Promising Start, Then a Pause
Adderley entered the league with plenty of buzz. Drafted 60th overall out of Delaware, he brought a versatile skill set to the Chargers’ back end-instinctive in coverage with the range to play deep, but also physical enough to step up in run support. His rookie season was limited to just four games, but once healthy, he quickly carved out a role.
From 2020 to 2022, Adderley became a fixture in the Chargers’ defense, starting 44 of 46 games over that span. His production was steady: three interceptions, 12 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and 230 total tackles. He wasn’t a headline-grabber every week, but he was reliable-an important trait in a league where durability and consistency are often undervalued until they’re gone.
Then came the curveball. Following the 2022 campaign, Adderley chose to retire, citing a desire to prioritize his well-being and explore life beyond football. It was a mature, self-aware move from a player who clearly had more left in the tank.
What Comes Next?
Now, with three years of perspective-and a renewed hunger for the game-Adderley is throwing his hat back into the ring. And make no mistake, there will be interest.
At 28, he’s still in his athletic prime. Teams looking to shore up their secondary depth or add a veteran presence in the defensive backfield will be paying attention. His experience as a starter, combined with his time away to reset mentally and physically, could make him an appealing low-risk, high-upside signing.
The question now becomes: where does he fit?
Plenty of teams around the league could use a versatile safety with starter-level experience. Whether it’s a contender looking for depth or a rebuilding team in need of leadership and stability on the back end, Adderley’s skill set and mindset could be a strong match.
Final Thoughts
Adderley’s comeback isn’t just a personal story-it’s a reminder of how much the game means to those who play it. After three years of building a life outside of football, he’s choosing to return not out of necessity, but out of love for the sport and the brotherhood it brings.
That kind of motivation can’t be measured in combine drills or stat sheets. But it often translates into something special once the pads go back on.
Keep an eye on this one. Adderley’s return could quietly become one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason.