History of Joey Bosa in Timeline

Joey Bosa is an American professional football defensive end, currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. A standout college player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, he was drafted third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016 and earned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. 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

1987: Father's NFL Career Start

In 1987, Joey Bosa's father, John Bosa, began his NFL career.

1989: Father's NFL Career End

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

July 11, 1995: Joey Bosa's Birth

On July 11, 1995, Joseph Anthony Bosa was born. He is an American professional football defensive end.

April 2012: Committed to Ohio State University

In April 2012, Joey Bosa committed to play college football at Ohio State University.

2013: Freshman All-American Honors

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

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

In 2014, 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, and was a Lombardi Award finalist.

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

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.

July 30, 2015: Suspended from first game of the season

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

December 31, 2015: Declared for the 2016 NFL Draft

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

January 1, 2016: Ejected from Fiesta Bowl

On January 1, 2016, during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame, Joey Bosa was ejected in the first quarter for a targeting penalty after 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, 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 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 after a solid second season.

2017: Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Joey Bosa was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after being limited to 12 games, finishing with 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

2018: Continued success with the Chargers

In 2018, Joey Bosa had a solid second season with the Chargers, totaling 70 tackles and 12.5 sacks.

2018: Foot Injury and Playoff Debut

In 2018, Joey Bosa suffered a foot injury, sidelining 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, which he wore during his time at Ohio State.

April 23, 2019: Chargers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option

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

2019: NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

2019: Brother Drafted by the 49ers

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

July 28, 2020: Signed 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.

2020: Ranked #34 in NFL Top 100

In 2020, Joey Bosa 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 NFL.

October 17, 2021: Career High Solo Tackles in a Game

On October 17, 2021, Joey Bosa had his best single game for solo tackles in the 2021 season during the Chargers loss to the Ravens, recording 5 solo tackles.

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.

September 28, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

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

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 but did not play due to an undisclosed injury. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 list.