Bryce Huff retired from the NFL in March at age 27, six years after entering the league as an undrafted free agent and two years after signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. He told The Athletic's Vic Tafur the decision wasn't sudden, though, and that he and his older brother, Jordan, had been considering it for a couple of years while building a startup on the side.
That company, Naberstone, focuses on suppressing lithium-ion battery fires without releasing toxic chemicals. It's a problem Huff says is growing as batteries become more common in everything from cars to power tools.
"I feel like we're going to save a lot of lives and protect a lot of companies," Huff said of the venture.
Self-funded by Huff, Naberstone has six employees, one major customer already on board, and is in talks with the U.S. military and recycling groups across Europe and Asia, according to the report.
Huff was traded from the Eagles to the 49ers in June 2025 and, after Nick Bosa's Week 3 knee injury, finished the season tied for the team lead with four sacks and 15 quarterback hits. But he said the idea of walking away was already on his mind before he reported to Santa Clara.
That company, Naberstone, focuses on suppressing lithium-ion battery fires without releasing toxic chemicals. It's a problem Huff says is growing as batteries become more common in everything from cars to power tools.
"I feel like we're going to save a lot of lives and protect a lot of companies," Huff said of the venture.
Self-funded by Huff, Naberstone has six employees, one major customer already on board, and is in talks with the U.S. military and recycling groups across Europe and Asia, according to the report.
Huff was traded from the Eagles to the 49ers in June 2025 and, after Nick Bosa's Week 3 knee injury, finished the season tied for the team lead with four sacks and 15 quarterback hits. But he said the idea of walking away was already on his mind before he reported to Santa Clara.
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