Commanders Backup OL Herbig Announces Retirement: A Look Back at His Journey

Washington Commanders offensive lineman Nate Herbig has decided to retire from the NFL. Coach Dan Quinn announced this on Monday, and the team placed him on the reserve/retired list the next day.

Herbig, 27, joined Washington this offseason to strengthen their offensive line. Before that, he had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He went undrafted in 2019 but quickly found a place with the Eagles, where he played well enough to start several games.

Despite his skill, injuries have affected Herbig’s career. He spent time on injured reserve at the end of the last two seasons. He started 30 of the 61 games he played, including a notable 12 starts with the Eagles in 2020 and 11 with the Steelers two years prior. Last season was tough for him due to a torn rotator cuff.

In recent years, the NFL has seen many players make similar decisions, especially after injury struggles. The physical demands of the game often lead players to prioritize their long-term health over continuing to play. According to a 2022 NFL Players Association survey, nearly 25% of players consider retirement due to health concerns.

As for reactions, fans on social media expressed mixed feelings—some respected his decision while others lamented what could have been if he had stayed healthy. It’s a reminder of the high cost of competing in such a demanding sport.

For more information on player health and retirement trends in the NFL, you can visit the NFL Players Association’s official website.



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