Nate Herbig

Nathaniel William Herbig Bio

Nathaniel William Herbig is an American former professional football player who spent six seasons as an offensive guard in the National Football League (NFL). Born in Lihue, Hawaii, Herbig played college football at Stanford University before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2019. His NFL career included stops with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Washington Commanders in 2025, where he announced his retirement from professional football later that year. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 334 pounds, Herbig established himself as a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing both guard positions throughout his professional career.

Early Life and Background

Nathaniel William Herbig was born on July 10, 1998, in Lihue, Hawaii, located on the island of Kauai. He grew up in the nearby town of Kalaheo before making a significant move after his freshman year of high school. Herbig relocated from Kauai to Oahu to attend the Saint Louis School in Honolulu, a decision that would shape his football future. This transition allowed him to compete at a higher level of high school football and catch the attention of college scouts.

At Saint Louis School, Herbig developed into a top collegiate prospect. He was recognized as a first-team All-State selection during his senior year, demonstrating his dominance against Hawaii’s top defensive linemen. His performance in high school attracted interest from multiple Pac-12 programs, ultimately leading him to commit to Stanford University. However, Herbig initially de-committed after his senior season, reopening his recruitment and considering offers from California and Washington before ultimately returning to his original commitment to Stanford.

Path to American Football

Herbig arrived at Stanford University in 2016 as a highly regarded offensive line prospect. His transition to collegiate football proved successful from the beginning. During his freshman season, he played in all 13 of Stanford’s games, making six starts at left guard. His impressive performance earned him recognition as a freshman All-American by ESPN, signaling his potential as a future NFL player. The experience he gained facing Pac-12 defensive lines provided invaluable preparation for the challenges ahead.

As a sophomore in 2017, Herbig moved to right guard and continued his development into one of the conference’s top offensive linemen. He made 13 starts that season and earned first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Stanford’s offensive line. His consistency and ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes attracted attention from NFL scouts. During his junior season in 2018, Herbig was named second-team All-Pac-12 despite battling injuries that caused him to miss six games. He made six starts at right guard and one start at right tackle, showcasing his positional versatility. Following the conclusion of his junior season, Herbig made the decision to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

Nathaniel William Herbig Career

Philadelphia Eagles (2019–2021)

Despite projecting as a potential mid-round draft pick, Herbig’s draft stock declined significantly after a disappointing performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 40-yard dash time of 5.41 seconds was the slowest among all 260 participants, raising concerns about his athleticism for the professional level. As a result, Herbig went unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, his college tape and positional versatility convinced the Philadelphia Eagles to sign him as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2019. He joined an Eagles offensive line room that would provide him time to develop.

Herbig spent most of his rookie season on the Eagles’ practice squad, refining his technique and adapting to the professional game. He earned his first NFL action on December 15, 2019, appearing in a game against the Washington Redskins. Overall, he played in two games during his debut season, gaining valuable experience without being thrust into a significant role. The 2020 season marked Herbig’s breakthrough, as he made his first career start on September 13 in the season opener against the Washington Football Team. He appeared in 15 games that season, starting 12, demonstrating his ability to be a consistent contributor on the Eagles’ offensive line.

The 2021 season saw Herbig emerge as an important depth piece for Philadelphia. When injuries struck both starting guards, he stepped into the lineup and started five games while appearing in five others at the guard position. His versatility and reliability during this challenging stretch kept him on the field even after the starting guards returned. Herbig played in 16 games and started five during the 2021 regular season. On March 15, 2022, the Eagles placed a restricted free agent tender on Herbig, signaling their interest in retaining him. However, after signing the tender, he was waived by the team on May 4, 2022.

New York Jets (2022)

Herbig’s tenure with the Eagles ended when he was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on May 5, 2022. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a team looking to rebuild its offensive line. Herbig quickly integrated into the Jets’ offensive scheme and earned a significant role. During the 2022 season, he played in and started 11 games for New York, showcasing his durability and consistency as a professional offensive lineman. His ability to play both guard positions gave the Jets flexibility in their line configurations throughout the season. However, his year ended on injured reserve on January 7, 2023, after suffering an injury that required offseason recovery.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2023–2024)

On March 16, 2023, Herbig signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining another franchise with a proud offensive line tradition. The move proved significant for family reasons as well. On April 28, 2023, the Steelers drafted Herbig’s younger brother, Nick Herbig, in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Nick Herbig played linebacker in college at Wisconsin and joined his brother on the Steelers roster, creating a unique family connection within the organization. This opportunity to play alongside his brother represented a meaningful chapter in both their football careers. During his first season with Pittsburgh, Herbig provided valuable depth along the offensive line, contributing to the Steelers’ ground game and pass protection.

The 2024 season brought an unfortunate turn for Herbig. On August 18, 2024, it was announced that he had suffered a torn rotator cuff, an injury that required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the season. This injury marked a significant setback in his career, ending his campaign before it truly began. The torn rotator cuff affected his ability to perform at the professional level and prompted reflection on his future in football.

Washington Commanders (2025)

Despite his injury challenges, Herbig continued his career by signing with the Washington Commanders on March 20, 2025, on a one-year contract. This move represented a fresh start with a franchise undergoing its own transition. However, after a brief period with the organization, Herbig made the decision to step away from professional football. He announced his retirement from the NFL on July 29, 2025, concluding a six-season career that began as an undrafted free agent and included contributions with four different NFL franchises.

Playing Style and Strengths

Herbig established himself as a reliable interior offensive lineman capable of playing both guard positions. His size at 6 feet 4 inches and 334 pounds provided the anchor needed to handle powerful defensive tackles in the NFL. What distinguished Herbig was his positional versatility, having experience at both left guard and right guard during his career. His college background at Stanford, which features complex offensive schemes, prepared him to adapt to different playbooks and terminology. Herbig’s strength lay in his ability to maintain consistency play after play, earning roles as both a starter and reliable backup throughout his NFL tenure.

Nathaniel William Herbig Career Statistics

Herbig appeared in 61 NFL games over six seasons, starting 30 of those contests. His professional career spanned four franchises, providing him opportunities to contribute to different offensive systems and cultures. He recorded one fumble recovery during his NFL career, showcasing his awareness and ability to make plays when the ball was on the ground.

Nathaniel William Herbig Family

Family Background and Football Lineage

Football runs deep in the Herbig family bloodline. Nate Herbig’s father, Bruce Herbig, competed in both football and basketball at Lewis & Clark College, establishing the family’s athletic tradition. His grandfather extended this legacy by playing football at Wheaton College in Illinois, creating a multi-generational connection to the sport. This family background in athletics contributed to Nate’s development as a player and provided him with a foundation of sports knowledge passed down through generations.

The football connections continued with Nate’s younger brother, Nick Herbig. Nick followed a similar path to the NFL, playing linebacker at the University of Wisconsin before being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The brothers briefly overlapped on the Steelers roster, a rare achievement in professional sports that allowed them to share the football field as teammates. Their family story represents an exceptional example of siblings achieving success at the highest levels of American football.

Personal Life

Herbig’s heritage reflects the diverse background of his Hawaiian roots. He is of partial Japanese, Okinawan, and Native Hawaiian descent, representing the rich cultural tapestry of his home state. This heritage connects him to the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, particularly notable given the underrepresentation of these groups in the NFL. Herbig has been open about his background, acknowledging the importance of representation in professional sports.

2025 Season Performance

Nathaniel William Herbig’s 2025 season with the Washington Commanders proved to be the final chapter of his professional football career. After signing with Washington in March 2025, Herbig joined a franchise in transition under new leadership. The one-year contract offered him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot and contribute to a team building toward the future. During the offseason program and training camp, Herbig worked with the Commanders’ offensive line, drawing on his six seasons of NFL experience to provide mentorship to younger players.

However, after less than five months with the organization, Herbig made the difficult decision to retire from professional football. He announced his retirement on July 29, 2025, concluding a career that spanned six seasons and four franchises. The decision came after careful consideration and likely reflected both the physical toll of the sport and his desire to pursue new opportunities beyond football. Herbig’s retirement marked the end of a journey that began in Hawaii and took him through the collegiate ranks at Stanford before navigating the challenges and rewards of professional football.