Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa are two NFL top defensive players. The 49ers San Francisco claim that Joey and his brother Nick Bosa who plays for the Los Angeles Chargers are best brother combo in the NFL.
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Nick Bosa And Joey Bosa Brothers
Nick was asked during Super Bowl LIV media day in 2020 who the best NFL brothers were. He confidently replied:
Bosas
He may be right. Joey signed a five year $135-million contract extension with the Chargers in 2020 which make him one of the NFL highest paid defensive players. Nick broke that record in 2023 with a five year $170-million deal with the 49ers.
Nick and Joey nicknamed Big Bear and Smaller Bear share many similarities. Both are 6’4″ and 270 pounds. They played three years of college football were top draft picks and now excel on defense for their teams.
Nick told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2019:
Everything we do looks the same. The way we run, walk, stand — it’s all similar.
Even their parents are amazed by their success. Their mother Cheryl Bosa said:
It’s a genetic phenomenon. Having two kids at this level is crazy.
Nick played in his second Super Bowl last year but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 22-25 in overtime despite making six tackles.
Football Runs In Their Family
Football talent is in the Bosa family. Their mother father Palmer Pyle played for three NFL teams in the 1960s. His brother Mike spent nine seasons with the Chicago Bears and won a Super Bowl.
Their father John Bosa was also a professional football player. He played defensive end at Boston College and was drafted 16th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 1987.
The following year Cheryl brother Eric Kumerow was also drafted 16th overall by the Dolphins. Eric son Jake Kumerow currently plays as a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.
Nick said at the 2019 NFL Draft:
We’ve got good genes
Growing Up In South Florida
John NFL career ended after three seasons due to injuries. He married Cheryl in 1993 and they settled in South Florida. They welcomed their first son Joseph Anthony Bosa on 11 July 1995. Two years later Nicholas John Bosa was born on 23 October 1997.
Their family had deep football ties but Cheryl and John encouraged their sons to try other sports like baseball, soccer, tennis and golf.
But the boys were determined. John told Sports Illustrated:
I tried to keep them away from football. If you don’t let me play I’m going to die.
Nick and Joey were playing football by ages 7 and 9. The family later moved to Fort Lauderdale so they could attend St. Thomas Aquinas High School known for its athletic programs. John would wake them up at 5 am for workouts and they never complained.
John said:
They just loved it. When you have their genetic gifts, it’s fun to knock the crap out of people.
College Football At Ohio State
Joey was one of the top high school players in the country by his senior year. He chose Ohio State University due to his mother alma mater after Urban Meyer became the head coach.
Joey said:
Once I visited, I knew the answer
Nick benefitted from Joey experience. He visited Ohio State and learned techniques from Joey and his coach Larry Johnson. When Joey entered the NFL draft Nick stepped into his brother shoes even wearing his number 97.
Johnson said about Nick in 2017:
He’s got the tools to be special.
Drafted Among The Top Picks
Both brothers were drafted in the top three. Joey was picked third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016. Nick was selected second overall by the 49ers in 2019. The Bosas became the only family to have three defensive linemen drafted in the first round with Nick’s pick.
Joey and Nick also found success early. Joey earned the 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year Award with 10.5 sacks despite a hamstring injury. Nick recorded nine sacks won the same award and played in the Super Bowl in 2019.
Joey told Sports Illustrated:
We’re obsessed with football. Every time I think I’m better, Nick flies right by me.
Their Great-Grandfather Was a Mob Boss
The Bosas have another surprising family connection. Their maternal great grandfather Tony Accardo a notorious mob boss. Accardo rose from being Al Capone’s bodyguard to head of the Chicago mafia known as Joey Batters.
Eric Kumerow was drafted in 1988 when their uncle reporters asked about Accardo. Kumerow said:
To me, he’s just my grandfather. I don’t believe half of what’s written about him.
Accardo died in 1992 before Nick and Joey were born. Nick once called him an undercover legend but rarely discusses him publicly.
Sharing The No. 97 Jersey
The Bosas share a tradition of wearing No. 97. Their father John wore the number at Boston College and with the Dolphins. Joey wore it at Ohio State and after a few seasons as No. 99 in the NFL switched back to 97. Nick also wore No. 97 at Ohio State and continues to wear it with the 49ers.
Joey said:
It’s a cool tradition. I’d like to keep it going.
Best Friends Off The Field
They play for different teams but Nick and Joey are best friends and talk daily. Joey said:
Nick is one of the few people I can be my true self around
It was not always this way. They competed fiercely in backyard games growing up. Joey admitted:
I was a total jerk. I’d beat him up if I lost. It toughened him up
Their bond grew stronger when they played together at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. They helped the team win the state championship.
Cheryl said:
Their relationship changed. They went from brothers to best friends. Since then, I haven’t seen them argue.
