Former defensive end Joey Bosa's professional football career hangs in the balance, as he remains unattached to any team. His brother, Nick Bosa, recently shed light on Joey's current priorities, suggesting that the veteran player is more engaged in refining his golf swing than contemplating a return to the gridiron. This shift in focus has led to considerable speculation regarding Joey Bosa's future in the National Football League.
Bosa's Gridiron Hiatus and Golfing Pursuits
As of late July 2026, Joey Bosa, a prominent defensive end known for his formidable presence on the field, finds himself without an NFL contract. His younger brother, Nick Bosa, a defensive end for the 49ers, revealed in May that Joey was "working on his golf game," a pastime that seems to have fully captured his attention. This sentiment was reiterated by Nick during a recent interview on the Murph & Markus Show, where he humorously suggested Joey might need to "start training" if a football comeback were ever on the cards, especially given his brother's dedication to his golf rounds.
When pressed about any imminent news regarding Joey Bosa's return to the NFL, Nick's response was a definitive "No, probably not," reinforcing the notion that football is currently not a priority for the elder Bosa. At 31 years old, Joey Bosa's on-field performance has seen a dip in recent years, with his last double-digit sack season dating back to 2021. Over the past four seasons, the five-time Pro Bowler has accumulated only 19 sacks, with a mere five during the 2025 season with the Bills. This decline in production placed him 35th on ProFootballTalk's list of top 100 free agents earlier this offseason. The prevailing question now revolves around whether Joey Bosa has quietly stepped away from the sport or if he might consider rejoining a playoff contender later in the current season or the next.
This situation highlights the challenging transition many professional athletes face as their careers evolve. The dedication and intensity required at the elite level can often lead to a desire for different pursuits post-football. While Joey Bosa's future on the field is uncertain, his current focus on golf illustrates a personal choice that many can relate to: finding new passions and priorities beyond the demands of a high-stakes profession. It serves as a reminder that even for celebrated athletes, life after the game can take unexpected and equally fulfilling turns, whether it leads to a definitive retirement or a surprising return to the sport they once dominated.
