In a surprising turn of events, two young yet experienced NFL players recently announced their retirements, raising eyebrows across the league. New York Jets running back Zach Evans, who is only 24 years old, and Washington Commanders offensive guard Nate Herbig, aged 27, both chose to step away from professional football just as the NFL prepares to kick off its 2025 preseason. Their announcements come shortly before the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, an event that ceremonially marks the start of the football season.
Zach Evans disclosed his retirement plans on a Monday, leading to his designation on New York’s reserve/retired list. Despite having a promising start, highlighted by a stellar performance in his final season at Ole Miss in 2022 with 936 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, Evans struggled to find a long-term footing in the NFL. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, he appeared in just 10 games during his rookie season. His journey continued with brief stints on the practice squads of both the Rams and Jets in 2024, but ultimately culminated in his decision to retire.
Nate Herbig followed suit just a day later, announcing his decision to leave the league. Unlike Evans, Herbig entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 but carved out a respectable career, accumulating 30 career starts over several seasons. His early years were spent with the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by notable time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a brief stint with the Jets. He had signed with the Commanders earlier this offseason but opted to step back from the game, leaving a notable gap in his position.
The timing of these retirements is particularly striking amid the backdrop of training camps that opened last week across the NFL. The league is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season, starting with a matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton for the Hall of Fame game. Celebrated for their remarkable contributions in previous seasons, the absence of Evans and Herbig will undoubtedly be felt by their respective teams.
These retirements also highlight growing concerns about the physical and mental toll of playing in the NFL, especially for younger players. With safety protocols and player health becoming increasingly important in the sport, some athletes are choosing to prioritize their well-being over their careers in the face of fears related to injuries and long-term health consequences.
As the NFL continues its preparations for the upcoming season, the league must also consider the implications of such retirements on team dynamics and player morale. For fans, the departures of two talented young players serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the realities athletes face both on and off the field.
