NFL Star Nasir Adderley Unretires After 3 Years, Signs with Colts

The former Chargers defensive back is making a surprise comeback to the league.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:54am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, white, orange, powder blue, gold, and navy, conceptually representing the dynamic movements and multiple perspectives of a football player's actions.A cubist interpretation of Nasir Adderley's surprise return to the NFL, capturing the dynamic energy and fractured perspectives of his comeback.Indianapolis Today

Nasir Adderley, a 28-year-old safety who retired from the NFL in 2023 at the age of 25, has signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to return to professional football. Adderley spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before stepping away, citing a desire to focus on his health, family, and entrepreneurial pursuits. However, after three years away from the game, Adderley has decided to make a comeback and will now compete for playing time in the Colts' secondary.

Why it matters

Adderley's decision to unretire and join the Colts is a surprising move in the NFL, as players rarely return to the league after stepping away in their mid-20s. His comeback will be closely watched, as it could inspire other young players to reconsider retirement and provide the Colts with a talented defensive back to bolster their roster.

The details

Adderley was a second-round pick by the Chargers in 2019 and spent four seasons with the team, recording 3 interceptions, 12 passes defended, and 232 tackles. In March 2023, he announced his retirement, citing a desire to focus on his health, family, and entrepreneurial pursuits. However, this February, Adderley changed his mind and said he intended to return to the NFL, noting that he missed the competition, brotherhood, and involvement in the game he loves.

  • Adderley retired from the NFL in March 2023 at the age of 25.
  • In February 2026, Adderley announced his intention to return to the NFL.
  • On April 15, 2026, Adderley signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

The players

Nasir Adderley

A 28-year-old safety who spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before retiring in 2023, and is now making a surprise comeback to the NFL by signing with the Indianapolis Colts.

Indianapolis Colts

An NFL team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, who have signed Nasir Adderley to their secondary group as he returns to the league after a three-year retirement.

Los Angeles Chargers

The NFL team that drafted Nasir Adderley in the second round in 2019, and for whom he played for four seasons before retiring in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“After a period of self reflection, I have decided it's time for me to walk away from the game of football. Over the past couple of years I have denied this realization, but I'm finally going to put myself first for once. My health is above anything and everyone around me knows that.”

— Nasir Adderley

“It's now been three years since I left the NFL, and I am extremely happy with my development. 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.”

— Nasir Adderley

What’s next

Adderley will now compete for playing time in the Colts' secondary, which has already added safeties Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas this offseason.

The takeaway

Nasir Adderley's decision to unretire and return to the NFL at the age of 28 is a surprising and intriguing move that could inspire other young players to reconsider retirement. His comeback will be closely watched, as it demonstrates the powerful pull the game of football can have, even after a player steps away from the sport.