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 football defensive end currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Bosa comes from a football family; he is the son of former NFL player John Bosa and the older brother of Nick Bosa, who also plays in the NFL.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Unanimous All-American

In 2014, Joey Bosa was named a Unanimous All-American and Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year after recording 13.5 sacks on 55 tackles.

December 31, 2015: Declared for 2016 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 San Diego Chargers

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

December 19, 2017: First Pro Bowl Selection

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

2017: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2017, after being limited to 12 games due to injury, Joey Bosa finished his rookie year with 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, earning him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.

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 and Melvin Ingram formed one of the best pass rushing duos in the league.

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.

July 28, 2020: Contract Extension with Chargers

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.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

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

March 5, 2025: Release from the 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.