Nasir Adderley walked away from football in 2022; why Colts signed him
Nasir Adderley walked away from football in 2022 after starting for 3 seasons with the Chargers to prioritize his health. Why he's signing with Colts
INDIANAPOLIS--The Colts are offering a chance to a former NFL starter who once walked away from the game. Indianapolis has signed former Chargers safety Nasir Adderley, a 2019 second-round pick who started in Los Angeles for three seasons before deciding to walk away from the game unexpectedly after the 2022 season. Adderley was only 25 at the time, coming off his rookie deal and headed into free agency, but he retired, citing a desire to prioritize his health.
But he decided to try to make a comeback this year. Adderley, now 28, announced his decision to return to the NFL in February, and he's spent the two months since that time looking for an opportunity. "Health, family and entrepreneurship were my top priorities, and I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish," Adderley wrote on his social media accounts.
"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. " Adderley becomes a wild card in an open competition for roster spots at a safety position with one starting spot available after the departure of Nick Cross. Indianapolis brings back 2025 seventh-round pick Hunter Wohler, signed former Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas and added veteran Jonathan Owens, but there is clearly a spot open.
Adderley started at free safety for the Chargers, but that spot is manned by Camryn Bynum, a key leader for the defense who led the team with four interceptions in 2025. Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season.