Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joey Bosa

How Joey Bosa built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Joey Bosa is a prominent American professional football defensive end currently playing in the NFL. He gained recognition playing college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Drafted third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016, Bosa earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He comes from a football family, being the son of former NFL player John Bosa and the older brother of current NFL player Nick Bosa.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: Father's NFL Career End

In 1989, Joey Bosa's father, John Bosa, ended his career in the NFL.

2013: Freshman All-American

In 2013, as a true freshman, Joey Bosa started 10 of 14 games, recording 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He was named a Freshman All-American by the Sporting News and College Football News.

2014: Unanimous All-American

In 2014, Joey Bosa was named a Unanimous All-American and earned Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his sophomore year with 13.5 sacks on 55 tackles.

December 31, 2015: Bosa Announces Intentions to Enter NFL Draft

On December 31, 2015, Joey Bosa announced his intentions to enter the 2016 NFL draft.

March 2016: NFL Combine Invitation and Meetings

In March 2016, Joey Bosa was projected to be a top 10 pick and received an invitation to the NFL Combine, where he met and interviewed with 13 NFL teams.

2016: Drafted by San Diego Chargers

In 2016, Joey Bosa was selected in the first round with the third overall selection by the San Diego Chargers in the NFL draft.

December 19, 2017: Named to Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Joey Bosa was named to his first Pro Bowl.

2017: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Joey Bosa finished his rookie year with 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

2018: Solid Second Season

In 2018, Joey Bosa had a solid second season with 70 tackles and 12.5 sacks - seventh in the NFL, after the Chargers' move from San Diego to Los Angeles.

2018: Foot Injury and Playoff Debut

In 2018, Joey Bosa suffered a foot injury and made his playoff debut in the Wild Card Round against the Ravens, recording one sack.

April 23, 2019: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 23, 2019, the Chargers picked up the fifth-year option on Joey Bosa's contract.

2019: Brother Drafted by 49ers

In 2019, Joey Bosa's brother, Nick Bosa, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the second overall pick.

July 28, 2020: Contract Extension

On July 28, 2020, Joey Bosa signed a five-year, $135 million contract extension with the Chargers, becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

2020: Pro Bowl Selection

Joey Bosa made the Pro Bowl after accumulating 11.5 sacks and 67 tackles in total for the 2019 season. He was ranked 34th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

May 2021: Mental Health Awareness Campaign

In May 2021, Joey Bosa spoke about focusing on physical and mental well-being as part of a Mental Health Awareness Month campaign for the National Football League.

December 29, 2022: Designated to Return from Injured Reserve

On December 29, 2022, Joey Bosa was designated to return from injured reserve.

2023: 2023 Season Stats

In the 2023 season, Joey Bosa appeared in nine games and started five. He finished with 6.5 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In the 2024 season, Joey Bosa appeared in 14 games and started nine, finishing with five sacks and two forced fumbles.

March 5, 2025: Release from Chargers

On March 5, 2025, Joey Bosa was released by the Chargers. At the time of his release, he was the last remaining player who continuously played with the Chargers in both San Diego and Los Angeles.