Career Timeline of Nick Bosa: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nick Bosa made an impact.

Nick Bosa is a professional football defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at Ohio State before being drafted second overall by the 49ers in 2019. He quickly made an impact, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV. Bosa's success continued, culminating in him winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. He comes from a football family, being the son of former NFL player John Bosa and the younger brother of NFL player Joey Bosa.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Freshman Season at Ohio State

In 2016, as a true freshman at Ohio State, Nick Bosa played in all 13 games, recording 29 tackles, seven for a loss, and five sacks, marking the beginning of his college football career.

September 1, 2018: Performance Against Oregon State

On September 1, 2018, against Oregon State, Nick Bosa had two sacks and recovered a one-yard fumble for a touchdown in a 77–31 victory.

July 25, 2019: Signing with the 49ers

On July 25, 2019, Nick Bosa signed a 4-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth $33.5 million, including a $22.5 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option.

2019: Entering the NFL Draft

After the 2018 season, Nick Bosa decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft, starting his path to the professional league.

2019: Drafted by the 49ers and NFL Rookie of the Year

In 2019, Nick Bosa was drafted second overall by the San Francisco 49ers and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, also helping his team reach Super Bowl LIV.

2020: Rookie Season Achievements and Super Bowl LIV

In 2020, Nick Bosa finished his rookie year with significant stats, was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, contributed in playoff games against the Vikings and Packers, won the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, and played in Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs where he recorded a strip sack on Patrick Mahomes in the 31–20 loss. He was ranked 17th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

April 25, 2022: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 25, 2022, the 49ers picked up the fifth-year option on Nick Bosa's rookie contract, securing him for another year.

2022: Return to the Field and Pro Bowl Honors

In 2022, Nick Bosa made a successful return to the field, achieving significant stats, breaking his rookie-season sack total, and earning Pro Bowl honors for the second time in his career, ranking 25th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022: NFL Defensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Nick Bosa won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, marking a significant achievement in his career.

September 6, 2023: Record-Breaking Contract Extension

On September 6, 2023, after a 44-day holdout, Nick Bosa signed a five-year, $170 million contract extension with the 49ers, including $122.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

2023: Continued Success and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2023, Nick Bosa continued his strong performance, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after a standout game in Week 10 and achieving Pro Bowl honors for the fourth time, solidifying his position as a top defensive player.

2024: NFC Championship and Super Bowl LVIII

In 2024, Nick Bosa contributed two sacks in the NFC Championship victory over the Lions and recorded six tackles and three quarterback hits in Super Bowl LVIII against the Chiefs, which the 49ers lost in overtime, and was ranked 27th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.