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 for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He played college football at Ohio State. Drafted third overall in 2016 by the San Diego Chargers, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Bosa comes from a football family; his father, John Bosa, was an NFL player, and his younger brother, Nick Bosa, also plays in the NFL.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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, becoming the 27th Buckeye in 84 years to achieve this honor. He finished his sophomore year with 13.5 sacks on 55 tackles and earned Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

July 30, 2015: Suspension Announcement

On July 30, 2015, it was announced that Joey Bosa would be suspended from the first game of the 2015 season with three other Ohio State football players for undisclosed reasons.

December 31, 2015: Announced Intentions for NFL Draft

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

January 1, 2016: Ejection from Fiesta Bowl

During the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame on January 1, 2016, Joey Bosa was ejected in the first quarter for a targeting penalty after making a hit on quarterback DeShone Kizer.

March 2016: NFL Combine and Draft Projections

In March 2016, Joey Bosa was projected as a top 10 pick in the 2016 NFL draft and received an invitation to the NFL combine. He met with multiple NFL teams and scouts found his performance at the combine impressive.

2016: Drafted to the NFL

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

2016: Drafted by San Diego Chargers

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

December 19, 2017: First Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Joey Bosa was named to his first Pro Bowl after a solid second season.

2017: Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

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

2018: Continued Success with the Chargers

In 2018, Joey Bosa continued his success with the Chargers after their move from San Diego to Los Angeles, forming one of the best pass rushing duos in the league. He totaled 70 tackles and 12.5 sacks, ranking seventh in the NFL, and was ranked #37 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2018: Injuries and Playoff Debut

In 2018, Joey Bosa suffered a foot injury, sidelining him until Week 11. He recorded 5.5 sacks in seven games and made his playoff debut against the Ravens, contributing to the win with one sack.

April 23, 2019: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 23, 2019, the Chargers exercised the fifth-year option on Joey Bosa's contract, ensuring he would remain with the team.

2019: Ranked on NFL Top 100

In 2019, Joey Bosa was ranked 56th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, reflecting his performance and reputation in the league.

2019: Brother Drafted to NFL

In 2019, Joey Bosa's brother, Nick Bosa, also a defensive end from Ohio State, 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, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

2020: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

October 17, 2021: Game Against the Ravens

October 17, 2021 was the date that Joey Bosa recorded his best single game for solo tackles in the 2021 season. Bosa made 5 solo tackles in the Chargers loss to the Ravens.

2021: Third Pro Bowl Nomination and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2021, Joey Bosa earned his third Pro Bowl nomination and was ranked 32nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, highlighting his consistent performance and recognition.

September 28, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 28, 2022, Joey Bosa was placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury that required surgery.

December 29, 2022: Designated to Return from Injured Reserve

On December 29, 2022, Joey Bosa was designated to return from injured reserve, marking a step towards his return to the field after recovering from his groin injury.

2022: Fourth Pro Bowl Trip and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2022, Joey Bosa earned his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl, although he did not play due to an injury. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 list.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

During the 2023 season, Joey Bosa appeared in nine games, starting in five. He recorded 6.5 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In the 2024 season, Joey Bosa played in 14 games, starting nine, and recorded five sacks along with 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 one of the last remaining players from the San Diego era of the team.