Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Nate Herbig announced his retirement from the NFL this week. That news was of particular interest to the Steelers since Herbig was with the organization as recently as last year. It was most noteworthy for the lineman’s brother, Nick Herbig, who is an edge rusher for the Steelers.
Nick responded in front of reporters to his brother’s retirement news Wednesday, sharing a message to Nate.
“I want to give a shoutout to him, especially, because he’s the GOAT,” Nick said of his brother, via Pittsburgh’s DSEN. “I wouldn’t be here without him, for real.
“I’m super blessed to have somebody like that in my life that paved the way for me and paved the way for so many kids.”
Nick added that he expects Nate to be out to see the Steelers in camp this summer.
Nick Herbig Had Brother as Teammate in First Two NFL Seasons
The Herbig brothers joined the Steelers during the same offseason two years ago.
After playing his first four NFL seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets, Nate signed as a free agent with the Steelers. Then in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Nick on Day 3.
Pittsburgh landed Nick at No. 132 overall in the fourth round. Although Nate didn’t play at all in 2023, the Herbig brothers spent the two campaigns together in Pittsburgh.
Nick’s role with the team has been steadily growing. Last season, he started five games, mostly as an injury replacement for Alex Highsmith. But whether starting or not, Nick was a key part of the Steelers edge rushing rotation last season. In his 13 games, Nick played half of the team’s defensive snaps.
Nick posted 22 combined tackles, including five tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks. He also had four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 13 contests.
Nate dressed for all 17 games in Pittsburgh during 2023 season. In August 2024, Nate suffered a torn rotator cuff, which ruled him out for all of last season.
Nate Herbig Announces Retirement From NFL
This offseason, Nate signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders. But the offensive lineman will not play for the Commanders.
Washington head coach Dan Quinn told reporters Monday that Nate informed the team he planned to retire. The Commanders placed Nate on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday.
Commanders On SI’s Darius Hayes described the retirement decision as surprising.
“The move comes just months after Herbig signed with Washington this offseason. He was expected to help provide depth on this improved offensive line,” Hayes wrote. “Instead, he has decided to walk away from football before ever taking a snap with the franchise.”
Unless Nate has a change of heart, his last NFL game was Pittsburgh’s playoff contest against the Buffalo Bills in January 2024. However, he didn’t appear in the game.
Nate’s last NFL snap came the week prior in Week 18 versus the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers won 17-10 and clinched a playoff spot the next day.
In six NFL seasons, Nate played in 61 games, making 30 starts. His last NFL start was also against the Ravens in Week 5.
Nate started a career-high 12 contests for the Eagles in 2020.
The last time Nate appeared on the field for an offensive snap was Week 13 versus the Arizona Cardinals.
