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 an American professional football defensive end currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He was drafted third overall in 2016 by the then San Diego Chargers and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Before his NFL career, he played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Bosa comes from a football family; his father, John Bosa, is a former NFL player, and his younger brother, Nick Bosa, also plays in the NFL.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Freshman Honors

In 2013, Joey Bosa was named a first-team Freshman All-American as well as selected to the Freshman All-Big Ten first-team.

2014: Unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

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

2014: Sophomore Year Honors

In 2014, during his sophomore year, Joey Bosa was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Lineman of the Year, First-team All-American, and All-Big Ten, as well as a Lombardi Award finalist.

December 31, 2015: Declared for the NFL Draft

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

March 2016: NFL Combine Invitation

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

2016: Drafted by the San Diego Chargers

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

2016: Drafted into the NFL

In 2016, Joey Bosa was selected third overall by the San Diego Chargers in the NFL draft and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

December 19, 2017: Named to First Pro Bowl

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

2017: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2017, despite missing the first four weeks due to injury, Joey Bosa finished his rookie year with 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was ranked as the 100th best player in the league by his peers.

2018: Solid Second Season

In 2018, Joey Bosa had a solid second season, totaling 70 tackles and 12.5 sacks, ranking seventh in the NFL. He was ranked #37 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

April 12, 2019: Jersey Number Change

On April 12, 2019, Joey Bosa switched his jersey number from 99 to 97, the number he wore with Ohio State.

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: Nick Bosa Drafted by 49ers

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

July 28, 2020: Signed Contract Extension

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

May 2021: Mental Health Awareness Campaign

In May 2021, Joey Bosa spoke about the importance of 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.

2022: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection

In 2022, Joey Bosa earned his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl, placing him in an elite group of Chargers defensive players. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 list.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

In the 2023 season, Joey Bosa appeared in nine games and started five, finishing 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. He recorded a sack in the Wild Card Round loss to the Texans.