SAN FRANCISCO – In a surprising move, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Bryce Huff announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday at the age of 27. The six-year veteran will transition to the business world, founding a company focused on combating and preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
Huff’s decision marks an abrupt end to a promising NFL career that began as an undrafted free agent. He shared the news via a video posted to his personal Instagram account, detailing his reasons for stepping away from the game he’s played since childhood.
From the Gridiron to Innovation: Huff Launches Naberstone
The newly formed company, Naberstone, will concentrate on developing infrastructure to better combat and prevent fires stemming from lithium-ion batteries. These types of fires, increasingly common with the proliferation of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, are notoriously tricky to extinguish and can pose significant dangers.
Huff entered the NFL in 2020, signing with the New York Jets after going undrafted out of Memphis. He spent four seasons in New York, developing into a reliable pass rusher. A subsequent move to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 resulted in a Super Bowl LIX victory, though he didn’t play a significant role. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2025, where he recorded four sacks in a single season before deciding to retire.
Throughout his NFL career, Huff appeared in 81 games (21 starts), totaling 108 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 62 quarterback hits, and 24.0 sacks, according to records. He briefly held the distinction of being the highest-paid undrafted non-quarterback in the NFL after signing a contract with the Jets.
“This Mission Will Save Lives”
In his Instagram video, Huff reflected on his journey, emphasizing the positive impact football had on his life but expressing a desire to dedicate his energy to a cause with broader societal benefits. “This mission will save lives and protect critical infrastructure while battery technology continues to grow,” Huff stated. “I can’t question the people who believe in this mission to be all in if I’m not willing to do the same.” He added, “Football has given me everything, and now it’s time for me to give everything to something new.”
Huff’s story is particularly notable given his undrafted status. He initially committed to South Alabama before flipping his commitment to Memphis, where he excelled, earning second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in both 2018 and 2019. His collegiate success translated to a professional career, albeit one cut short by his decision to pursue a different path.
The San Francisco 49ers released a statement acknowledging Huff’s decision. “San Francisco 49ers DL Bryce Huff informed the team he plans to retire from the National Football League. We would like to thank Bryce for his contributions throughout the 2025 season and we wish him the best,” the team said.
Huff’s retirement comes at a time when the NFL is seeing increased scrutiny regarding player safety and long-term health. While his departure isn’t directly linked to those concerns, it highlights the diverse paths players are taking after their football careers, with a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and social impact.
The 49ers now face a slight adjustment to their defensive line heading into the offseason. While Huff’s impact wasn’t dominant, his presence provided depth and a valuable pass-rushing option. The team will likely explore options in the draft and free agency to fill the void left by his unexpected retirement.
Bryce Huff’s transition from the NFL to the world of fire prevention technology is a testament to his ambition and commitment to making a difference. His new venture, Naberstone, aims to address a growing safety concern, potentially saving lives and protecting critical infrastructure in the process. It’s a bold move for a young athlete, but one that reflects a desire to leave a lasting legacy beyond the football field.
The 49ers will next be in action for their offseason training activities, scheduled to commence in April. Fans can find the latest updates on the team’s website, www.49ers.com.
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