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Nasir Adderley, a former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, shocked the NFL when he announced his retirement from the game at just 25 years old.
Three years later, Adderley shocks the football world again by announcing a comeback after signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Adderley, now 28, signed a deal with the Colts to compete for a spot among their secondary, the team announced Tuesday.
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Nasir Adderley of the Los Angeles Chargers walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on December 26, 2022. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“After a period of self-reflection, I have decided it is time for me to step away from the game of football,” Adderley wrote in an Instagram post in March 2023. At the time, Adderley said health was a factor in his decision.
“For the past few years I’ve been in denial about this realization, but I’m finally going to put myself first for once. My health comes first and everyone around me knows it.”
But Adderley said in February that he intended to attempt a comeback to the league. Now he has his shot at Indianapolis.
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“It has now been many years since I left the NFL and I am extremely happy with my progress,” Adderley said in a statement in February. “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 would miss having soccer in my life.
“The competition, the brotherhood and just being involved in the game that means so much to me and my family. That’s why I’m officially announcing my intention to return to the NFL.
Nasir Adderley of the Los Angeles Chargers covers an opponent during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Dec. 26, 2022. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Adderley had 12 passes defensed, three interceptions and 232 total tackles in his four years with the Chargers, who took him with the 60th overall pick in 2019.
Adderley never made it past his rookie contract with the Chargers as he retired after his fourth year, which was a solid season for him.
The Delaware product finished with two interceptions, one forced fumble, four passes defensed, 62 combined tackles and one tackle for loss.
Adderley will look to prove himself with a new team now, and one that could use some secondary help heading into the 2026 season. The Colts were 8-2 heading into their bye week this past season, coming in as one of the bigger surprises in the NFL.
Nasir Adderley of the Los Angeles Chargers covers an opponent during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Dec. 26, 2022. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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But after quarterback Daniel Jones’ injury problems, among others on the roster, the Colts slipped. They desperately tried to stop the slump, even bringing Philip Rivers out of retirement to play in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense with Jones out for the rest of the year. But it wasn’t enough as they finished 8-9 and never won a game after that Week 11 bye.
