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Sports • American Football

Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa is an American professional football defensive end who has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2016.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joey Bosa is an American professional football defensive end who has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2016. He was selected third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, later played for the Los Angeles Chargers, and signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2025.

Early life and college

Joey Bosa was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and played college football at Ohio State. His college career helped establish him as one of the top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft.

NFL career

Bosa was selected third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He later continued with the franchise after its move to Los Angeles and signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in March 2025.

Playing style and recognition

Bosa is known as a pass rusher at defensive end and has been recognized with awards including NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and multiple Pro Bowl selections.

Family

Bosa comes from a football family. He is the son of former NFL player John Bosa and the older brother of NFL player Nick Bosa.

Key facts

  • Bosa played college football at Ohio State before entering the NFL.
  • He was drafted third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016.
  • He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after his rookie season.
  • Bosa spent nine seasons with the Chargers before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2025.
  • He has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls during his career.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Joey Bosa play?
He plays defensive end in the NFL.
Which college did Joey Bosa attend?
He played college football at Ohio State.
When was Joey Bosa drafted?
He was selected third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Which teams has Joey Bosa played for?
He played for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2025.
What awards has Joey Bosa won?
He won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times.

References

  1. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3051389/joey-bosa
    Supports: Birthdate, college, draft position, position, and current team listing.
  2. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3051389/joey-bosa
    Supports: Career team history and Buffalo Bills roster listing.
  3. Wikipediahttps://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joey_Bosa
    Supports: 2025 Buffalo Bills contract note and career overview.
  4. Simple English Wikipediahttps://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joey_Bosa
    Supports: College, draft details, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and family relationships.
  5. NFL.comhttps://www.nfl.com/players/joey-bosa/
    Supports: Official player profile and position.
  6. StatMusehttps://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/joey-bosa-25143
    Supports: Career statistics and awards summary.