A T-shaped Ni-I complex was synthesized using a rigid acridane-based pincer ligand to prepare a metalloradical center. Structural data displays a nickel ion is embedded in the plane of a PNP ligand. Having a sterically exposed half-filled d(x2-y2) orbital, this three-coordinate Ni-I species reveals unique open-shell reactivity including the homolytic cleavage of various sigma-bonds, such as H-H, N-N, and C-C.