The Bosa family might be closing the book on one of its most dominant chapters. San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa recently hinted that his older brother, Joey Bosa, may have already played his final NFL down—and it sounds like the 31-year-old is okay with that.
During an appearance on the Murph & Markus Show, Nick was asked directly whether Joey would return for the 2026 season. His answer was telling: "Joey might need to start training if that's going to be the case." He went on to suggest that fans shouldn't hold their breath for a comeback this fall.
Joey Bosa, the 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been a free agent since the end of the 2025 season. He spent nine years with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2025, where he recorded 29 tackles and five sacks in 14 games. His career totals—372 tackles, 77 sacks, and 22 forced fumbles—place him among the most productive edge rushers of his generation.
But the writing has been on the wall for months. Back in June, ESPN's Adam Schefter stated that "it is more likely than not that Joey Bosa has played his last NFL down." Schefter noted that a situation like the 49ers could theoretically lure him back, but he doubted it: "If the Niners wanted to pair those two together, it probably would have happened already. If Joey Bosa wanted to play football, it probably would have happened already."
The quiet nature of Bosa's exit is striking for a player of his caliber. No retirement press conference, no farewell tour—just a slow fade into free agency. It's a departure that echoes the quietly stepping away from the spotlight that we've seen from other sports figures recently, choosing family and peace over the grind of another season.
Injuries have plagued Bosa throughout his career, limiting him to 14 or fewer games in five of his last seven seasons. While he remained productive when healthy, the wear and tear of a decade in the trenches may have finally taken its toll. The decision to walk away—if that's what this is—would be a personal one, made on his own terms.
For now, the NFL world waits. But with each passing week, the likelihood of a Joey Bosa return dims. As his brother put it, the window is closing. And for a player who gave everything on every snap, perhaps a quiet exit is the most fitting tribute to a career defined by relentless effort.
Whether this is a retirement or just an extended pause, one thing is clear: the NFL may have seen the last of Joey Bosa, and that's a loss for the game.
