University of Delaware Athletics
After Retirement, Nasir Adderley is Staying Busy
2/28/2025 12:00:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – Retirement may not be the right word. For the past two years, Nasir Adderley has certainly been busy in his life after football. The former All-American safety and second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers is living his best life. Spending quality time with his loved ones and running his own health coaching business - Divine Rising.
"One of the main reasons I left the NFL was to walk in my purpose – to be more present for my family and to fully immerse myself in the health and wellness space," Adderley said. "That's why I recently launched my company, Divine Rising. My intention is to become a trusted resource in this industry. Someone the people can count on and be assured that I have their best interest at heart."
Adderley was the second-highest draft pick ever out of the University of Delaware back in 2019, being selected 60th overall by the Chargers. He appeared in 50 games over his four seasons, making 44 starts at safety before surprising almost everyone when he announced his retirement in March 2023 at the conclusion of his rookie contract.
Following his retirement, Adderley, who received his degree from the University of Delaware in health behavior science, had a brief stint in the real estate world before turning his attention to health and wellness. He became a certified personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness while working to get Diving Rising off the ground.
"It's been a journey," said Adderley. "Even during my time in the NFL, I had the entrepreneurial spirit – exploring different ideas and consistently learning about business. But over time, I realized that I could never get away from health and wellness. Ever since I was a kid, I've been passionate about helping others and I've found the perfect way to do so. As I reflect on my journey, I find so much gratitude in my experiences because it has truly put me in a fantastic position to serve the people."
Adderley works with clients ranging from aspiring young athletes who are looking to make it as far as Adderley did, to athletes who are nearing the end of their competitive careers, to the everyday person who is looking to improve their lifestyle.
"Of course, I can train athletes—that's second nature to me—but my programs are just as effective for anyone looking to improve their health, whether that's a senior, a child, or someone wanting to lose weight and build muscle. I can train just about anyone with my skill set. The key is versatility and customization which is something I pride myself on."
Divine Rising is primarily an online service to increase accessibility. Adderley realized that more people would benefit from the quality of work he was providing for his clients. In doing so, Adderley has formulated a program that has proven to be a wonderful alternative to in person services.
"I've had several people reach out to me about my services which has given me the idea to create a program that's entirely online. My goal is to reach and impact as many people as possible, no matter where they are. Through my coaching platform, clients get priority access to me. A mobile app experience with video demonstrations, exercise descriptions, nutrition guidance and effective strategies to create healthy habits."
The coaching does not stop with just exercise and nutrition. Throughout his career, Adderley has taken note of the toll that everyday stresses that life brings can have on a person's health. His programming also is meant to create a safe space where people can talk about any challenges they are facing and how it may be affecting their health. As an alternative to personal training, there is also a mentorship program available where clients can meet with Adderley on a regular basis."
"For me, health is holistic. It's not just about how often you work out or what you eat - it's also about your emotional intelligence. How we feel internally affects our relationships, our careers, and our overall quality of life. My goal is to help people make tangible changes that contribute to their overall success and fulfillment."
While he has had plenty to keep him occupied, Adderley has made it a point to make time for his UD community since his retirement from football. He became the youngest former student-athlete to make a major gift to Delaware Athletics. He also was in attendance for the Blue Hens' 29-25 ranked victory over New Hampshire in 2023 when he served as the team's honorary captain.
"From the moment I was recruited, I instantly saw a support system who valued me," Adderley said back in 2023. "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."
Adderley 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, the Philadelphia native led or tied for the team lead in interceptions. 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.
His success while wearing the Blue & Gold led to a great and fruitful, albeit short, career in the NFL. Now, after walking away from the game on his own terms, Adderley is using the degree he earned from Delaware and combining it with his unmatched work ethic to provide the same successful opportunities for his clients.
"Helping people improve their health has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and I proudly can say that I love what I do," Adderley said. "Sure, it's not the same as an NFL salary, but the joy of helping people transform their lives makes it all worth it. Looking back, I realize I've always been that person – helping teammates with their training, talking about health, and encouraging others to take care of themselves."
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"One of the main reasons I left the NFL was to walk in my purpose – to be more present for my family and to fully immerse myself in the health and wellness space," Adderley said. "That's why I recently launched my company, Divine Rising. My intention is to become a trusted resource in this industry. Someone the people can count on and be assured that I have their best interest at heart."
Adderley was the second-highest draft pick ever out of the University of Delaware back in 2019, being selected 60th overall by the Chargers. He appeared in 50 games over his four seasons, making 44 starts at safety before surprising almost everyone when he announced his retirement in March 2023 at the conclusion of his rookie contract.
Following his retirement, Adderley, who received his degree from the University of Delaware in health behavior science, had a brief stint in the real estate world before turning his attention to health and wellness. He became a certified personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness while working to get Diving Rising off the ground.
"It's been a journey," said Adderley. "Even during my time in the NFL, I had the entrepreneurial spirit – exploring different ideas and consistently learning about business. But over time, I realized that I could never get away from health and wellness. Ever since I was a kid, I've been passionate about helping others and I've found the perfect way to do so. As I reflect on my journey, I find so much gratitude in my experiences because it has truly put me in a fantastic position to serve the people."
Adderley works with clients ranging from aspiring young athletes who are looking to make it as far as Adderley did, to athletes who are nearing the end of their competitive careers, to the everyday person who is looking to improve their lifestyle.
"Of course, I can train athletes—that's second nature to me—but my programs are just as effective for anyone looking to improve their health, whether that's a senior, a child, or someone wanting to lose weight and build muscle. I can train just about anyone with my skill set. The key is versatility and customization which is something I pride myself on."
Divine Rising is primarily an online service to increase accessibility. Adderley realized that more people would benefit from the quality of work he was providing for his clients. In doing so, Adderley has formulated a program that has proven to be a wonderful alternative to in person services.
"I've had several people reach out to me about my services which has given me the idea to create a program that's entirely online. My goal is to reach and impact as many people as possible, no matter where they are. Through my coaching platform, clients get priority access to me. A mobile app experience with video demonstrations, exercise descriptions, nutrition guidance and effective strategies to create healthy habits."
The coaching does not stop with just exercise and nutrition. Throughout his career, Adderley has taken note of the toll that everyday stresses that life brings can have on a person's health. His programming also is meant to create a safe space where people can talk about any challenges they are facing and how it may be affecting their health. As an alternative to personal training, there is also a mentorship program available where clients can meet with Adderley on a regular basis."
"For me, health is holistic. It's not just about how often you work out or what you eat - it's also about your emotional intelligence. How we feel internally affects our relationships, our careers, and our overall quality of life. My goal is to help people make tangible changes that contribute to their overall success and fulfillment."
While he has had plenty to keep him occupied, Adderley has made it a point to make time for his UD community since his retirement from football. He became the youngest former student-athlete to make a major gift to Delaware Athletics. He also was in attendance for the Blue Hens' 29-25 ranked victory over New Hampshire in 2023 when he served as the team's honorary captain.
"From the moment I was recruited, I instantly saw a support system who valued me," Adderley said back in 2023. "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."
Adderley 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, the Philadelphia native led or tied for the team lead in interceptions. 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.
His success while wearing the Blue & Gold led to a great and fruitful, albeit short, career in the NFL. Now, after walking away from the game on his own terms, Adderley is using the degree he earned from Delaware and combining it with his unmatched work ethic to provide the same successful opportunities for his clients.
"Helping people improve their health has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and I proudly can say that I love what I do," Adderley said. "Sure, it's not the same as an NFL salary, but the joy of helping people transform their lives makes it all worth it. Looking back, I realize I've always been that person – helping teammates with their training, talking about health, and encouraging others to take care of themselves."
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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