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 in the NFL. He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He 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 Year at Ohio State

In 2013, as a true freshman, 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: Named Unanimous All-American

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

July 30, 2015: Suspension Announcement

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

December 31, 2015: Declared for NFL Draft

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

January 1, 2016: Ejection in Fiesta Bowl

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

March 2016: NFL Combine Participation

In March 2016, Bosa was projected as a top 10 pick and invited to the NFL Combine, where he impressed scouts and interviewed with 13 NFL teams.

2016: Drafted by San Diego Chargers

In 2016, 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 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 of the season, 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 with the Chargers, totaling 70 tackles and 12.5 sacks, ranking seventh in the NFL.

2018: Foot Injury and Playoff Debut

In 2018, Joey Bosa suffered a foot injury that sidelined him until Week 11. He made his playoff debut in the Wild Card Round against the Ravens.

April 12, 2019: Jersey Number Change

On April 12, 2019, Joey Bosa switched his jersey number from 99 to 97, the number he wore during his time 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: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2019, Joey Bosa was ranked 56th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

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 and NFL Ranking

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

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.

2021: Third Pro Bowl Nomination

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

September 28, 2022: Injured Reserve Placement

On September 28, 2022, 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.

2022: Fourth Pro Bowl Trip

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

March 5, 2025: Release by the Chargers

On March 5, 2025, Joey Bosa was released by the Chargers. He was the last remaining player who continuously played with the Chargers in both San Diego and Los Angeles.