When fans ask how many Bosa brothers play football, the short answer is two. Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa are the famous sibling duo currently dominating NFL offensive lines as elite edge rushers. However, the football lineage runs deeper than just the two active stars, tracing back through a family tree heavily embedded in professional athletics.
Understanding the Bosa family dynamic requires looking beyond the two household names. Their athletic pedigree spans multiple generations, featuring a father who also played in the NFL and an extensive background at Ohio State University. This article breaks down who the Bosa brothers are, where they came from, and the broader sports legacy behind them.
The Two Active Bosa Brothers
There are exactly two Bosa brothers playing professional football. Both followed identical paths from high school powerhouses to stardom at Ohio State, eventually becoming top-three picks in the NFL Draft.
Joey Bosa
Born in 1995, Joey is the older of the two brothers. A standout at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, he committed to Ohio State where he earned unanimous All-American honors and won a CFP national championship.
The San Diego Chargers selected Joey third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He immediately made an impact, winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Known for his incredible power, hand technique, and versatility, Joey has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and established himself as a premier pass rusher for the franchise through its relocation to Los Angeles and subsequent career moves.
Nick Bosa
Born in 1997, Nick followed his older brother's footsteps nearly step for step. He also attended St. Thomas Aquinas and starred at Ohio State, where he won Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year before declaring early for the draft.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Nick second overall in 2019. Like his brother, Nick won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. He reached an even higher individual peak in 2022 by winning the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the league in sacks. You can track his ongoing career achievements via Pro Football Reference.
The Broader Bosa Family Athletic Legacy
While people often search for additional brothers, Joey and Nick are the only two siblings. The athletic talent in their family, however, extends to their father and extended relatives.
Their father, John Bosa, played college football at Boston College and was selected sixteenth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1987 NFL Draft. John's career was cut short by injuries, but his early success paved the way for his sons.
The maternal side of the family also boasts major sports connections. Their mother's brother is Eric Kumerow, a former first-round draft pick out of Ohio State who played linebacker in the NFL. Furthermore, another relative, Jake Kumerow, carved out a multi-year career as an NFL wide receiver. This dense web of professional football players explains why the Bosa household was uniquely equipped to produce elite athletes.
Common Misconceptions About the Family
Fans frequently confuse the Bosa family tree due to the concentration of first-round picks and shared alma maters. Here are a few clarifications regarding common myths:
- Are there more than two brothers? No. Joey and Nick are the only two brothers. People often assume there is a third because of the sheer dominance of the family name in defensive line discussions.
- Did they play together in college? They overlapped briefly, but didn't play significant extended seasons together. Joey left Ohio State just as Nick arrived on campus.
- Are they twins? No. Joey is roughly two and a half years older than Nick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Joey and Nick Bosa play for the same NFL team?
No. Joey spent the majority of his career with the Chargers franchise before later joining the Buffalo Bills, while Nick has anchored the San Francisco 49ers defense since entering the league. They occasionally face each other when their respective conferences match up.
What position do the Bosa brothers play?
Both brothers play defensive end, specifically operating as edge rushers. Their primary responsibility is crashing the offensive backfield to disrupt passing plays and stop the run.
Did both brothers win Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Yes. Joey won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2016, and Nick accomplished the exact same feat three years later in 2019.
Where did the Bosa brothers grow up?
They grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School and trained extensively under local athletic programs before heading to the Midwest for college.
