Veteran safety Nasir Adderley returns to NFL with Colts

Adderley signs with Indianapolis after stepping away from football in 2023

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:50pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a football safety making a tackle, with the player's body and the field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.A cubist interpretation of a veteran safety returning to the NFL, breaking down the action into dynamic geometric shapes.Indianapolis Today

Veteran safety Nasir Adderley, who retired from the NFL in 2023 at age 25, has signed with the Indianapolis Colts after announcing his intention to return to professional football earlier this year. Adderley spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, recording over 230 tackles and three interceptions, before stepping away to focus on his health, family, and entrepreneurship. Now 28, Adderley will join a crowded safety group in Indianapolis as he looks to reclaim a starting role in the league.

Why it matters

Adderley's return to the NFL after a brief retirement at a young age is noteworthy, as it highlights the challenges players can face balancing their health, personal priorities, and the demands of professional football. His signing with the Colts also adds intrigue to their safety position group, which has seen several offseason additions as the team looks to solidify that unit.

The details

Adderley originally retired in 2023, shortly after completing his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. At the time, he cited his health as the primary reason for stepping away from the game. During his time away, Adderley focused on personal priorities, including his health, family, and entrepreneurship. In February 2026, Adderley announced his intention to return to the NFL, explaining that he missed the competition, brotherhood, and involvement in the sport he loves. A second-round pick in 2019, Adderley spent four seasons with the Chargers, appearing in 50 games with 44 starts and recording over 230 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Now in Indianapolis, Adderley will compete for a starting role in a crowded Colts safety group that includes veterans Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas, as well as young player Hunter Wohler.

  • Adderley originally retired from the NFL in 2023 at the age of 25.
  • In February 2026, Adderley announced his intention to return to professional football.
  • Adderley signed with the Indianapolis Colts on April 15, 2026.

The players

Nasir Adderley

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

Jonathan Owens

A veteran safety who the Colts added to their roster this offseason.

Juanyeh Thomas

A veteran safety who the Colts added to their roster this offseason.

Hunter Wohler

A young safety who is already on the Colts' roster and will compete with Adderley for playing time.

Camryn Bynum

The Colts' starting safety who will be paired with the new addition of Adderley.

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What they’re saying

“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

“Health, family, and entrepreneurship were my top priorities, and I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish.”

— Nasir Adderley

What’s next

Adderley will have the opportunity to compete for a starting safety role with the Colts during training camp and the preseason. The team's coaching staff will evaluate how he fits into their defensive scheme and whether he can reclaim a prominent role in the secondary.

The takeaway

Nasir Adderley's decision to return to the NFL after a brief retirement highlights the complex personal and professional considerations players face in their careers. His signing with the Colts adds depth and competition to their safety group as they look to solidify that position group heading into the 2026 season.