49ers DE Bryce Huff retires at 27 to focus on battery safety startup

Huff cites desire to work on his company Naberstone, which aims to prevent lithium-ion battery fires, as reason for abrupt retirement

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:51pm by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco 49ers defensive end Bryce Huff, 27, announced his retirement from the NFL after six seasons, citing a desire to focus on his new company Naberstone that aims to prevent dangerous lithium-ion battery fires. Huff, an undrafted free agent who signed a $51 million contract with the Eagles in 2023, said the mission of his startup will "save lives and protect critical infrastructure" as battery technology continues to scale.

Why it matters

Huff's retirement at 27 is the latest in a growing trend of NFL players walking away from the game in their 20s, often citing health concerns or a desire to pursue other interests. This highlights the physical toll of professional football and the increasing awareness among players of the long-term risks, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.

The details

Huff, who made $40.5 million during his NFL career, said he realized he was "capable of giving the world more than just football" and wanted to fully commit to his battery safety startup Naberstone. He cited a nagging wrist injury and the desire to not ask his Naberstone team to "go all in if I'm not willing to do the same" as factors in his decision to retire.

  • Huff announced his retirement on March 13, 2026.
  • Huff played six seasons in the NFL, including the last two with the San Francisco 49ers.

The players

Bryce Huff

A 27-year-old defensive end who played six seasons in the NFL, the last two with the San Francisco 49ers. He announced his retirement to focus on his battery safety startup company Naberstone.

Drew Dalman

A 27-year-old center for the Chicago Bears who abruptly retired less than two weeks ago with two years left on a $42 million contract.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for the next chapter of my life. Lithium-ion batteries power the modern world but they carry a fire risk that current suppression technology was never designed to solve. We're building safety infrastructure specifically for that problem. This mission will save lives and protect critical infrastructure as battery technology continues to scale. I can't ask the people who believe in this mission to go all in if I'm not willing to do the same.”

— Bryce Huff (Instagram)

What’s next

Huff has not provided details on the specific timeline or plans for his Naberstone battery safety startup, but his retirement suggests he is fully committed to building the company and its mission.

The takeaway

Huff's decision to retire at 27 to focus on a new entrepreneurial venture highlights the growing trend of NFL players walking away from the game at a young age, often citing health concerns or a desire to pursue other interests beyond football. This reflects the physical toll of the sport and increasing awareness among players of the long-term risks.