University of Delaware Athletics
Nasir Adderley Makes Major Gift to Delaware Athletics
4/7/2023 10:00:00 AM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – Nasir Adderley continues to add to his list of achievements at the University of Delaware. Already known for his incredible accomplishments on the field at Delaware Stadium, as both a two-time All-American and three-time All-CAA selection, and in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers, Adderley can now add generous philanthropist to his legacy.
“From the moment I was recruited, I instantly saw a support system who valued me,” Adderley said. “Valued me for who I am and not what I can do for them. I saw a program committed to winning games, but more importantly invested in winning the game of life. Truly prioritizing our development as young men, which I believe is way more valuable than any stat or victory. Not only was this support available as a student, but long after I left the university.”
The Adderley family has made a gift to the future of UD Athletics to support an upcoming facilities project, of which details will be announced at a later date. He becomes the youngest former student-athlete to make a major gift to Delaware Athletics.
“This generous gift by Nasir, especially so soon after graduating, speaks volumes about his character and his love for the University of Delaware,” said Chrissi Rawak, UD Director of Athletics, Community and Campus Recreation. “For him to make such a gift like this demonstrates his commitment to the football program and what we are trying to accomplish as an athletic department. We are so grateful for his generosity and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for him and his family.”
“Throughout the years, it was always in my plans to support the community that means so much to me,” Adderley said. “I missed out on the first opportunity, but when you have great leadership the opportunities are constantly evolving. Constantly improving the experience and providing resources needed to thrive both on and off the field. I patiently waited and sure enough there was a project available. What is being done for the athletes is second to none and I can’t wait to see the results.”
The second-highest draft pick ever out of the University of Delaware, Adderley was selected in the second round, 60th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. He appeared in 50 games over his four seasons, making 44 starts at safety, while totaling 232 tackles, 12 passes defended, four tackles for loss and three interceptions.
The Philadelphia native was a four-year starter for the Blue Hens, becoming the first player in over 10 years to start every game of his career at Delaware. He racked up 264 total tackles to rank among the top-five in defensive backs in program history in that category. He also added 11 INTs and 24 pass break ups in his career. In each of his final three seasons, Adderley led or tied for the team lead in interceptions, including a career-best five picks as a junior in 2017. He finished with a career-high 87 tackles in 2018, which ranked in the top 20 nationally for defensive backs.
Among his many outstanding moments while wearing the Blue & Gold, Adderley had two plays that went viral on a national level. His one-handed leaping interception against Towson in 2017 and 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at New Hampshire in 2018 both landed as the No. 1 play on SportsCenter Top Ten.
Throwing it back to a pair of @SCTopTen plays by @NasirAdderley ?? #BlueHenBuilt pic.twitter.com/dPVfZco72O
— Delaware Football (@Delaware_FB) March 16, 2023
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Adderley family,” said Head Football Coach Ryan Carty. “As a fellow alum, I am so proud of everything that Nasir has achieved, both during his time here at Delaware and in his four years in the NFL. On and off the field, he embodies the type of character we are working to build in our program. So many of our student-athletes look up to Nasir for his accomplishments in football and I hope they continue to follow his example in his post-football career.”
Adderley announced his retirement from the NFL earlier last month and will now utilize his experience to empower the people around him. During his tenure at UD, Nasir earned a degree in health behavior science and will be putting it to good use.
“Newly retired from football, I will be devoting my time to education that can provide my people with freedom. Primarily freedom from sickness in the body and freedom from a lack of financial education. Focusing on those items has changed my life and my hope is to make a difference so others can experience that vitality. I’m sure everyone would like to know what I’m doing for income after turning down a second contract. I have multiple businesses I will be a part of, but will specialize in private lending for real estate investors.”
