Joey Bosa is an American professional football linebacker known for his dominant pass-rushing skills in the NFL. Born on July 11, 1995, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was drafted third overall by the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers) in the 2016 NFL Draft. A five-time Pro Bowler, Bosa was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 and has been one of the league’s top defenders.
Recently, Joey Bosa was released by the Chargers after nine seasons, making him one of the most high-profile free agents of 2025. In this article, we will explore Joey Bosa’s biography, career, net worth, family, relationships, early life, and more.
Joey Bosa Short Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Anthony Bosa |
| Stage Name | Joey Bosa |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (NFL) |
| Hometown | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1995 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years old |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 280 lb (127 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
Early Life & College Career
High School Career
Joey Bosa grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, one of the nation’s top football programs. He was a four-star recruit and ranked as one of the top defensive ends in his class. Bosa committed to playing college football at Ohio State University.
College Career at Ohio State (2013–2015)
Bosa had a standout career at Ohio State, quickly establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in college football:
- 2013 (Freshman Year): 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks (Named Freshman All-American).
- 2014 (Sophomore Year): 55 tackles, 13.5 sacks, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
- 2015 (Junior Year): 47 tackles, 5 sacks, named Consensus All-American.
In his final college game, the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, he was ejected for targeting. After his junior year, he declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.
NFL Career: Dominance with the Chargers
2016 NFL Draft & Rookie Year
Joey Bosa was selected third overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2016 NFL Draft. After missing the first four games due to a contract dispute and injury, Bosa dominated in his debut season:
- Finished with 10.5 sacks in just 12 games.
- Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
- Ranked 100th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
Rise to Stardom (2017-2020)
From 2017 to 2020, Bosa cemented himself as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers:
- 2017: 12.5 sacks, Pro Bowl selection.
- 2018: Limited by injury but still recorded 5.5 sacks in 7 games.
- 2019: Earned second Pro Bowl selection, recording 11.5 sacks.
- 2020: Signed a five-year, $135 million contract, becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL at the time.
Injury-Struggled Years (2021-2024)
Bosa continued to perform at a high level but dealt with multiple injuries:
- 2021: Recorded 10.5 sacks and a career-high 7 forced fumbles.
- 2022: Limited to five games due to a groin injury.
- 2023: Played in 9 games, recording 6.5 sacks.
- 2024: Played in 14 games, but managed only 5 sacks.
Despite still being an elite pass rusher, injuries hampered his impact in recent seasons.
2025: Released by the Chargers
On March 5, 2025, Bosa was released by the Los Angeles Chargers after nine seasons. His $36.47 million cap hit was too high for the team, and his injury history made his future uncertain. His release ended the era of the last remaining San Diego Chargers player.
Family & Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | John Bosa (Former NFL Player) |
| Mother | Cheryl Bosa |
| Brother | Nick Bosa (NFL Player, 49ers) |
| Cousin | Jake Kumerow (NFL Player) |
| Uncle | Eric Kumerow (Former NFL Player) |
| Grandfather | Palmer Pyle (Former NFL Player) |
| Great-Grandfather | Tony Accardo (Former Chicago Outfit Leader) |
| Spouse/Partner | Not Available |
| Children | Not Available |
Bosa comes from a football dynasty, with his father, brother, uncle, and cousin all playing in the NFL. His great-grandfather, Tony Accardo, was a former Chicago mob boss, adding an unexpected twist to his family history.
Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 280 lb (127 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Tattoos | No |
| Piercings | No |
Bosa is known for his intimidating size and explosive athleticism, making him one of the most physically dominant defenders in the NFL.
Joey Bosa Net Worth & Income Sources
Joey Bosa has made millions from his NFL contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
| Financial Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $45 Million (Approx.) |
| Primary Income Sources | NFL Salary, Bonuses |
| Other Revenue Streams | Endorsements (Nike, Gatorade, etc.) |
His five-year, $135 million contract made him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.
Lesser-Known Facts About Joey Bosa
- He was the last remaining player from the San Diego Chargers era.
- His brother, Nick Bosa, is a star defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.
- He won a National Championship with Ohio State in 2014.
- His family has a deep NFL legacy, with multiple relatives having played in the league.
- His great-grandfather, Tony Accardo, was a famous Chicago mob boss.
- He has a huge sneaker collection and is a big fan of Air Jordans.
- Bosa is involved in mental health awareness campaigns for the NFL.
- He is passionate about pediatric cancer research and has supported the #MoreThan4 campaign.
- His sack celebration is inspired by WWE wrestling moves.
- He loves fishing and often spends offseasons on deep-sea fishing trips.
FAQs About Joey Bosa
Q: What is Joey Bosa’s net worth in 2025?
A: His estimated net worth is $45 million.
Q: Why did the Chargers release Joey Bosa?
A: Due to salary cap issues and injury concerns.
Q: What team will Joey Bosa sign with next?
A: As of now, he is a free agent, and several teams are interested.
Q: How tall is Joey Bosa?
A: He is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) tall.
Conclusion
Joey Bosa is one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. After being released by the Chargers, he is now one of the top free agents of 2025. It will be exciting to see where he plays next!
