Recent Los Angeles Chargers draft pick is attempting an NFL comeback after retiring once already
The Chargers could bring him back for another chance in the pros.
The NFL has a weird way of surprising people on a daily basis. The Los Angeles Chargers and their fans may have been a bit startled after a former early draft pick just announced his intention to un-retire on Monday afternoon.
Nasir Adderley announces attempt to return to the NFL after recent retirement
The former Chargers safety retired in 2023, but he has his sight set on getting back into the NFL now. Nasir Adderley was a second-round pick in 2019, and he was an impressive prospect coming out of Delaware. His retirement was a bit of a surprising one.
Adderley started 44 games and totaled three interceptions, 232 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in four years with the Bolts. Adderley penned a statement regarding his hopeful return on social media.
“It’s now been three years since I left the NFL, and I am extremely happy with my development,” Adderley wrote on social media. “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. Therefore, I am officially announcing my intention to return to the NFL.” –
Adderley is now an NFL free agent and can sign with any team in the league. The defensive back was a starter for the Chargers for plenty of his rookie contract, but he retired before signing an extension or landing elsewhere in free agency.
Tony Jefferson is a free agent so safety may be a need for Los Angeles
Veteran safety Tony Jefferson will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, as long as he doesn’t sign a new deal with LA before free agency opens. He doesn’t plan on retiring, either, after a strong campaign this past season. He still wants to play.
“Ok… so ppl actually pissing me off asking me ‘so what are you gonna do this year, you still gonna play?’ like mf did you not watch the tape this season,” Jefferson said on social media. “There is 0 indication of me slowing down or nearing retirement (again) – at minimum I’m playing 2 more seasons. Bang”
Replacing Jefferson would not be easy for Los Angeles. He’s an experienced leader who played a lot better in 2025 than many people expected him to ahead of it. Jefferson was productive, with a career high four interceptions and seven passes defended.
Potentially, bringing back Adderley could help place a bandage over the roster hole that would be apparent if Jefferson departs for another squad this offseason. Only time will tell. Regardless, Adderley’s comeback attempt is worth monitoring for the Chargers.
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