Joey Bosa

Lore & Background

Joseph Anthony Bosa was born July 11, 1995. He played college football at Ohio State University and was selected third overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2016 NFL draft, where he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is the son of former NFL player John Bosa and the older brother of current NFL player Nick Bosa. Bosa attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was released by the Chargers on March 5, 2025, and signed a one-year, $12.6 million contract with the Buffalo Bills on March 13, 2025.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over SoFi Stadium as the fourth quarter ticked away, the tension palpable in the crisp Los Angeles air. On the line of scrimmage, Joey Bosa crouched low, his eyes locked on the quarterback across the formation. With a sudden explosion from his stance, he blurred past the tackle, a lightning bolt in powder-blue and gold. The pocket collapsed instantly; there was no escape. In that split second, the roar of the crowd merged with the crunch of pads as Bosa delivered another signature sack, sealing another chapter in his legendary tenure.

Reader's Guide

Bosa is a defensive end known for his pass-rushing ability. He has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016. He signed a five-year, $135 million contract extension with the Chargers in 2020, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league at that time. He was released by the Chargers in 2025 and joined the Buffalo Bills.

Did You Know?

• Bosa was the first of five Ohio State players drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
• He and Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau are the only Chargers defensive players selected to four Pro Bowls over the first five seasons of a career.
• Bosa forced four fumbles within the first four games of the 2025 season with the Bills, setting a new Bills team record for forced fumbles.
• He switched his jersey number from 99 to 97 in 2019, the number he wore at Ohio State.