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via Imago

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Nate Herbig’s NFL story ended before many expected—and it’s richer than a single stat line. The Stanford alum crashed into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019, went on to appear in 61 games with 31 starts, and established himself as a versatile, penalty-light interior lineman. He spent time with the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers before signing with the Commanders earlier this year, only to find himself immediately placed on their Reserve/Retired list, per coach Dan Quinn.

At 26, Herbig earned a two-year, $8 million deal with the Steelers in 2023—$4 million guaranteed—earning around $12.5 million in career earnings to date. In 2025, Herbig was set to earn a base salary of $1,170,000, along with a $142,500 signing bonus and a $25,000 workout bonus—bringing his total cap hit to $1,197,500, with a dead cap value of $642,500.

Herbig’s decision to retire came shortly after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury during Steelers camp, which placed him on IR for the 2024 season before free agency sent him to Washington. Even though his playing career was cut short by health, the young guard leaves behind a legacy of gritty adaptability, from undrafted walk-on to a trusted swing guard. Retirement at this early stage feels unexpected, but the body, not the ambitions, ultimately drew the line.

Brotherhood in the trenches: The Herbig family NFL legacy

When Nick and Nate Herbig walked into their first Steelers camp at Saint Vincent College, it wasn’t just a media moment—it was a family reunion in football pads. The brothers showed up exactly how they’ve lived most of their lives: side by side. Nick Herbig, the rookie linebacker and fourth-round pick, wore a “Nick and Nate Herbig” T-shirt to mark the moment. Nate, ever the easygoing big brother, came with his signature swagger—sunglasses, a backward hat, and a shirt that simply read, “Happy to be here.” But beneath the laughs and custom shirts was a story of shared ambition and mutual belief.

Nick Herbig has since become one of the most intriguing young defenders in Pittsburgh’s system, and it’s no accident. Steelers brass saw the raw explosiveness in his college tape, but the Herbig grit—that run-through-a-wall mentality—was something they already knew well. Born in Kauai, Hawaii, Nick grew up as the youngest of three brothers and learned fast that nothing would be handed to him. “I was always the underdog,” he once said. With older brothers like Nate and Jake pushing the bar, that mindset wasn’t just about competition—it was survival.

For Nate, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford, the journey was even tougher. But when it was Nick’s turn, big brother stepped in. Nate didn’t just mentor him—he lobbied for him. And it worked. Once Nick declared for the draft, Nate made sure the Steelers understood what kind of dog they’d be getting. The Herbig bond turned Pittsburgh into more than just a team—it became a family affair. One brother is paving the way. The other is ready to run through it.

Rooted in Aloha: The Herbig Family’s hawaiian pride and NFL journey

Nate Herbig’s journey to the NFL was shaped not only by grit but by heritage. With deep roots in Hawaii, the Herbig family’s identity is proudly Hawaiian—something Nate and his brothers carry with them on and off the field. Their mother, Robyn Herbig, has been the emotional anchor for the family. From youth football days to the NFL spotlight, Robyn’s unwavering support was constant. “When they played together when they were little, it was an off-island thing and I didn’t go with them. So, this is the first time I get to see them play together on the same team, which is wild to me,” she said when Nick and Nate suited up for the Steelers. Her joy was palpable when she shared a Steelers post celebrating her sons in the locker room—a full-circle moment for a mother who helped mold them into professionals.

The Herbig boys didn’t just inherit their work ethic from the sidelines. Their father, Bruce Herbig, was a multi-sport athlete at Lewis & Clark College and passed down that same athletic DNA. His presence was more than symbolic—he was a real-time mentor, offering guidance from his own experiences and helping shape his sons’ competitive edge. Bruce’s football background gave Nate and Nick more than just techniques; it gave them a foundation rooted in accountability and resilience. Together, Bruce and Robyn instilled in their sons the discipline, humility, and pride that allowed them to thrive at the professional level.

As for personal life, Nick Herbig has managed to keep that side of his world off the grid. There have been no public confirmations about his relationship status, and fans curious about his dating life won’t find much. Right now, it appears football and family are his main priorities. He spends most of his downtime surrounded by those who know him best, avoiding the spotlight unless it involves a helmet and shoulder pads. In a league filled with headlines and distractions, Nick’s decision to keep his inner circle tight says as much about his values as it does his focus.

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"Did Nate Herbig retire too soon, or was it the right call for his health and legacy?"

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