Just as NFL teams began preparing for the 2025 preseason, two young but seasoned players announced their unexpected retirements. Running back Zach Evans of the New York Jets and offensive guard Nate Herbig of the Washington Commanders made their decisions public this week. The timing of these announcements is particularly surprising, coming right before the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, which traditionally marks the start of the NFL preseason.
Zach Evans, 24, declared his retirement on Monday and was subsequently placed on the Jets’ reserve/retired list. A standout during his college career at Ole Miss, Evans led the SEC in 2022 with an impressive 6.5 yards per carry, totaling 936 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, Evans played in 10 games as a rookie and spent parts of the following season on both the Rams and Jets practice squads before deciding to step away from professional football.
Herbig Retires After Six Steady Seasons, NFL Preseason Set to Move Forward
A day after Evans’ announcement, Nate Herbig, 27, also made the decision to retire. Unlike Evans, Herbig entered the NFL undrafted in 2019 but carved out a respectable career over six seasons. He began with the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by brief tenures with the Jets and Steelers.
Most recently, Herbig signed with the Washington Commanders during the offseason and was credited with 30 career starts. His retirement marks the end of a solid, if quiet, NFL career.
Despite the sudden news of these retirements, the NFL preseason will proceed as planned. Training camps opened league-wide last week, and the highly anticipated Hall of Fame game will take place Thursday between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. As teams gear up for the new season, the early departures of Evans and Herbig highlight the unpredictable nature of NFL careers, even for young players with experience.
