What happens when the era’s quietest quarterback finally walks off the field? For the Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert, it won’t be in coaches’ headsets or behind hot take microphones. There’s no interest in coaching, no plans to live on as a mentor, just an exit to Oregon’s hills once the whistle blows for good.

Appearing in an interview for FOX NFL’s Rear View with Mark Sanchez, that’s exactly what the QB revealed. When asked, “are you going to coach when you’re done?” Herbert kept it simple. As the QB revealed, “When I’m done playing football, I’ll be long gone.” Sanchez doubled down, painting a picture with “you’re just going to have your own big plot of land up in Oregon.” And Herbert didn’t disagree. That’s the plan somewhere down the line. “Doesn’t sound bad,” Herbert responded. “Play football for as long as I can. See what happens.”

This simple line on post-NFL life is quintessential Herbert. The NFL has a streak of bringing back legends. Sean Payton, Doug Pederson, Tony Romo, and others have transitioned from players to coaches or TV personalities. Herbert, though, remains the rare superstar who signals that football is not his final act, nor the only thing defining him. The Steelers‘ QB, Aaron Rodgers had also noted something similar when talking about 2025 being his last NFL campaign. “I don’t want to live a life in the public eye. I’m not gonna be in the public eye. When this is done, I’m done. You won’t see me, and I’m looking forward to that.” As for Justin Herbert, he’s also shaping his leadership around meaning and preparation, not media exposure.

The now-famous ‘Wise Words’ tradition is a fitting metaphor. After practice, Coach Jim Harbaugh calls on anyone to share a story, quote, or lesson. Herbert is always ready, keeping something prepared in his back-pocket. On occasion, he had shared his father’s creed with the locker room: “Do your best, get better, treat people the way you want to be treated, and never give up.” Herbert calls them “a good standard to set where if you could do those four things, you could be proud of the effort and the work you put in each day.”

This authenticity matters in a league where future HOFers so often stick around until no one remembers their prime. That’s never been Herbert’s way. The Chargers built their identity around him, turning a franchise ousted hero (Philip Rivers) into an afterthought. Since the sixth-overall pick seized his shot in 2020 and rewrote rookie records, Herbert’s methodical, unflashy rise has made him a cornerstone. Now, coming off a high-profile international win against the Chiefs, his approach to leadership and boundaries comes into sharper relief. He knows his impact is seasonal; the game will move on, and so will he. And just as Herbert’s story drifts away from predictable NFL arcs, his off-field life has captivated the crowds with a twist of its own.

Off the field, new plays – Herbert and Madison Beer

Justin Herbert has long avoided tabloid headlines, but his rumored relationship with Madison Beer, the grammy nominated pop star, might have finally been confirmed. The buzz first started when Herbert was seen at one of Beer’s music video shoots in LA. The second instance fueled speculations further in late August. On 24th August, the couple were seen in public, carrying wine and a board game to a friend’s house in Redondo Beach. And the third time has only cemented the dating rumors further.

When the Chargers won 27-21 against the Chiefs in Brazil, many termed it the “Madison Beer effect” and speculated if this rumored relationship could have fueled Herbert’s dominant performance. Following the victory, as Herbert returned to LA, he was spotted with Madison the third time on Saturday, September 6th. The couple notably held hands as they exited the West Hollywood restaurant Delilah after their date.

Back on the field, expectations have never been higher. Herbert’s dynamic performance in Brazil has set the stage for what could be a Super Bowl run and MVP chatter. But beyond 2025, Herbert’s endgame is simple. He will play “as long as” he can, and when it ends, Herbert will ride into the Oregon sunset, maybe even with Madison along for the ride.