Nathaniel William Herbig Bio
Nathaniel William Herbig is an American former professional football guard who played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Herbig also played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and Background
Nathaniel William Herbig was born on July 10, 1998, in Lihue, Hawaii. He grew up in Kalaheo, Hawaii, before moving from Kauai to Oahu after his freshman year of high school to attend Saint Louis School in Honolulu. During his senior year, he was named first-team All-State, showcasing his talent early on. Herbig committed to play college football at Stanford after his junior year but later de-committed. Ultimately, he re-committed to Stanford after considering offers from other schools, including California and Washington.
Path to American Football
Herbig played three seasons for the Stanford Cardinal, participating in all 13 of Stanford’s games during his freshman year with six starts at left guard. His performance earned him recognition as a freshman All-American by ESPN. As a sophomore, he transitioned to right guard, making 13 starts and being named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference. In his junior year, Herbig was named second-team All-Pac-12 after making six starts at right guard and one start at right tackle, despite missing six games due to injury. Following his junior season, he announced his decision to forgo his final year of college eligibility to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Nathaniel William Herbig Career
Early Career (2019-2021)
Nathaniel Herbig signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2019. He made his NFL debut on December 15, 2019, against the Washington Redskins, appearing in two games during his rookie season. In the 2020 season, he played in 15 games and started 12, marking a significant step in his professional career. In 2021, he started five games and played in 16 games overall, showcasing his versatility and reliability on the offensive line.
Breakthrough (2022-2024)
After being waived by the Eagles in May 2022, Herbig was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. He played in and started 11 games during the 2022 season, solidifying his role as a starting guard in the NFL. In March 2023, he signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time with the Steelers, he faced challenges, including a torn rotator cuff injury that sidelined him for the 2024 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Nathaniel Herbig has been recognized for his contributions on the field, including being named first-team All-Pac-12 and second-team All-Pac-12 during his college career. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a starting guard in the NFL highlights his determination and skill.
Nathaniel William Herbig Award Nominations
Nathaniel Herbig has received notable recognition during his football career, particularly during his college years, where he earned first-team and second-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Nathaniel William Herbig Awards Won
Nathaniel Herbig’s accolades include being named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2017 and second-team All-Pac-12 in 2018, showcasing his talent and performance during his college football career.
Nathaniel William Herbig Family
Nathaniel Herbig’s father, Bruce Herbig, played football and basketball at Lewis & Clark College. His younger brother, Nick Herbig, is also a professional football player who played linebacker at Wisconsin and was his teammate with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Personal Life
Nathaniel Herbig has maintained a relatively private personal life. His family background in sports, particularly football, has influenced his career path. He announced his retirement from professional football on July 29, 2025, marking the end of his playing career in the NFL.