Brief Introduction of Nate Herbig
Nathaniel “Nate” William Herbig is a former American football guard who carved out a notable career in the National Football League (NFL) through sheer resilience and versatility. Hailing from Lihue, Hawaii, Herbig was known for his powerful presence on the offensive line and his proud representation of his home state. Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, he built a solid reputation as a reliable and tenacious player. His journey saw him play for several prominent teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers, where he even had the unique opportunity to be teammates with his younger brother, Nick Herbig. Herbig’s career is a testament to his work ethic, overcoming the odds to become a respected starter in the league before his surprising retirement.
Nate Herbig Overview
| Full Name | Nathaniel William Herbig |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1998 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Lihue, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Profession | Former American Football Guard |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Bruce Herbig (Father), Robyn Herbig (Mother), Jake Herbig (Brother), Nick Herbig (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Reportedly dated rapper Ice Spice in 2023, though this has not been officially confirmed. |
| Net Worth | Approximately $12.5 million |
Early Life and Education of Nate Herbig
Nate Herbig was born on July 10, 1998, in Lihue, Hawaii, and spent his formative years in Kalaheo on the island of Kauai. Immersed in a family with a strong athletic background, the seeds of his football career were planted early. His father, Bruce, played both football and basketball at Lewis & Clark College, and his grandfather played football at Wheaton College in Illinois. To pursue a higher level of football competition, Herbig’s family made the significant decision to move from Kauai to Oahu after his freshman year of high school. This allowed him to attend the prestigious Saint Louis School in Honolulu, a football powerhouse known for producing top-tier talent. At Saint Louis, Herbig flourished, becoming a dominant force on the offensive line and earning first-team All-State honors as a senior. His performance garnered national attention, and he was ranked as one of the top centers in the country. After a decorated high school career, which included receiving the Harry Kahuanui Memorial Award as Hawaii’s best high school offensive lineman, Herbig committed to play college football at Stanford University.
Nate Herbig’s Career
Herbig’s collegiate career at Stanford was marked by immediate impact and consistent excellence. He was the first true freshman to start on the Cardinal’s offensive line since 2012. Over three seasons, he was a mainstay, starting 30 games and earning significant accolades. In his sophomore year in 2017, he was named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference. He followed that with a second-team All-Pac-12 selection as a junior in 2018, despite missing some time due to injury. Foregoing his senior season, Herbig declared for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Despite his successful college career, Herbig went unselected in the draft. However, his professional dream was far from over. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent and, through hard work, earned a spot on the 53-man roster. After seeing limited action in his rookie season, Herbig stepped into a significant role in 2020, starting 12 games. He continued to be a key rotational player and spot starter for the Eagles in 2021, contributing to an offense that led the NFL in rushing yards.
In May 2022, Herbig was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset, starting 11 games at guard and earning praise for his run-blocking prowess, finishing the season with one of the highest run-block win rates among guards in the league. His performance with the Jets led to a significant free-agent contract in March 2023, when he signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move was particularly special as it united him with his younger brother, linebacker Nick Herbig, who was drafted by the Steelers a month later. Nate played in all 17 games for the Steelers in 2023, providing veteran depth and starting two games.
Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short before it began when he suffered a torn rotator cuff in training camp and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. In March 2025, Herbig signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, but in a surprising move, he announced his retirement from the NFL on July 29, 2025, at the age of 27. He concluded his NFL journey having played in 61 regular-season games with 30 starts.
Nate Herbig Personal Life & Family
Family is a cornerstone of Nate Herbig’s life. He is the son of Bruce and Robyn Herbig, who were both educators and made significant sacrifices to support their sons’ athletic ambitions. His father, a former collegiate athlete, provided mentorship, while his mother has been described as the family’s emotional anchor. He has two brothers, an older brother named Jake, and a younger brother, Nick. The bond between the Herbig brothers is exceptionally strong. Nate was a vocal supporter of the Steelers drafting Nick, and the opportunity to be NFL teammates was a dream come true for the family. Nate’s pride in his Hawaiian heritage is a significant part of his identity, and he and his brother often speak of representing their home state with love and pride. Regarding his romantic life, it was reported in June 2023 that Herbig was dating American rapper Ice Spice, though neither party has publicly confirmed the relationship. He is not known to be married or have any children.
Awards and Achievements of Nate Herbig
- First-team All-Pac-12 (2017)
- Second-team All-Pac-12 (2018)
- Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention (2017, 2018)
- Harry Kahuanui Memorial Award for Hawaii’s best high school offensive lineman
- Maximum Exposure Camp offensive line MVP
Nate Herbig Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Nate Herbig’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $12.5 million. His earnings are primarily from his NFL contracts. A significant portion of his career earnings came from the two-year, $8 million contract he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, which included $4 million in guaranteed money. Throughout his six seasons in the NFL with the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers, his total career earnings amounted to around $12.5 million. His journey from an undrafted free agent to securing a multi-million dollar contract highlights his perseverance and value in the league.
Legacy and Influence
Nate Herbig’s legacy is one of resilience, toughness, and unwavering dedication. As an undrafted player who carved out a multi-year starting role in the NFL, he serves as an inspiration for athletes who face similar hurdles. He was known for his “nasty” playing style on the field, a term of endearment for an offensive lineman’s physicality and aggressive approach, especially in run blocking. Off the field, Herbig is known for his easygoing personality and his deep pride in his Hawaiian roots. He and his brother Nick have been active in giving back to their community in Hawaii. His influence is seen in his ability to adapt and excel on multiple teams and in his role as a supportive older brother, paving the way and then playing alongside his sibling at the highest level of professional football.
Interesting Facts about Nate Herbig
- He earned the nickname “Nasty Nate” for his physical and aggressive demeanor on the football field.
- He and his younger brother, Nick Herbig, were teammates on the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2023 season.
- To pursue a better football opportunity, his family moved from the island of Kauai to Oahu so he could attend Saint Louis School in Honolulu.
- He was a fan of former Steelers All-Pro guard David DeCastro, who also attended Stanford, and looked up to him as a player.
- Despite a successful college career, he had the slowest 40-yard dash time among offensive linemen at the 2019 NFL Combine.
- He is versatile, having played snaps at both right guard, left guard, and center during his NFL career.
Controversies
There are no publicly known major controversies associated with Nate Herbig’s career or personal life. He has maintained a positive public image focused on his work ethic, family, and performance on the field.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Nate Herbig
Nate Herbig’s football career, though concluded earlier than many expected, is a powerful narrative of determination. From the shores of Kauai to the bright lights of the NFL, he consistently defied expectations. Going from an undrafted free agent to a respected and well-compensated starter is a significant achievement in the highly competitive world of professional football. His journey with the Eagles, Jets, and ultimately the Steelers—where he fulfilled a family dream of playing with his brother—is filled with memorable moments. While a significant shoulder injury marked the twilight of his playing days, his decision to retire at 27 allows him to prioritize his long-term health. Nate Herbig leaves the sport with a legacy of being a tough, versatile, and dedicated lineman who proudly represented his family and the state of Hawaii every time he stepped on the field.
