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Nasir Adderley, a former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, shocked the NFL by announcing he would retire from the game at just 25 years old.
Three years later, Adderley surprised the football world again by announcing a return after signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Adderley, now 28, has 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 leaves the field after a victory against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on December 26, 2022. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“After a period of reflection, I have decided it is time for me to step away from 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 two years I’ve been in denial about this realization, but I’m finally going to prioritize myself for once. My health comes first and everyone around me knows it.”
But Adderley said in February he intended to attempt a return to the league. Now he has his chance in Indianapolis.
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“It’s been years since I left the NFL and I’m extremely happy with my progress,” Adderley said in a statement in February. “Health, family and entrepreneurship were my main priorities, and I’m proud of what I was 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 football in my life.
“The competition, the brotherhood and just being involved in the game mean so much to me and my family, which is why I am 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, Indiana on December 26, 2022. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Adderley had accumulated 12 passes defended, three interceptions and 232 total tackles during his four years with the Chargers, who took him with the 60th overall selection 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 may need some secondary help heading into the 2026 season. The Colts were 8-2 entering their bye week last season, which is one of the biggest 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, Indiana on December 26, 2022. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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However, after injury issues to quarterback Daniel Jones, among others on the roster, the Colts slipped. They tried desperately to stop going downhill, even bringing Philip Rivers out of retirement to play in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense with Jones for the rest of the year. But it wasn’t enough as they finished 8-9, without ever winning a game after that Week 11 bye.
