Joseph Thuney Bio
Joseph Thuney is an American professional football guard for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack before being selected by the New England Patriots in the third round (78th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. Thuney has established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in professional football, earning recognition as a four-time Super Bowl champion and multiple All-Pro selections. He became the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons, setting a remarkable standard for consistency and excellence at the sport’s highest level.
Early Life and Background
Thuney was born to Mike and Beth Thuney in Centerville, Ohio. He grew up in Centerville alongside his brother Eric and sisters Monica and Megan. His early education began at Incarnation Catholic School before he attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, where his football career truly began to take shape.
At Archbishop Alter, Thuney was a standout lineman and helped lead the school to two Ohio Division IV state championship teams. As a senior, he earned the Greater Catholic League Lineman of the Year honors while also serving as president of his senior class, demonstrating his leadership abilities both on and off the field.
Path to the NFL
Thuney continued his football journey at NC State University, where he played for the Wolfpack from 2011 to 2015. He saw limited action during his freshman year but emerged as a versatile offensive lineman in subsequent seasons. During his redshirt sophomore year, he transitioned between positions, starting the season opener at right tackle, the second game at right guard, and the final 10 games at left tackle. His flexibility became a defining characteristic of his game.
As a junior, Thuney settled in as the starting left guard, and he shifted to left tackle for his senior season. His exceptional play earned him recognition as the first NC State offensive lineman to be named an All-American since Jim Ritcher in 1979. Beyond his on-field performance, Thuney excelled academically, graduating cum laude from NC State in just three years while being named a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the best combination of academics, community service, and athletic performance. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington.
Joseph Thuney Career
New England Patriots (2016–2020)
Thuney was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 78th overall selection. He immediately won the starting left guard spot heading into training camp and remained the starter for all 16 regular-season games. Remarkably, he played the highest number of offensive snaps of any Patriot during the 2016 season, demonstrating his durability and reliability. He also started all three postseason games that year.
On February 5, 2017, Thuney was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in a historic comeback victory that ended 34–28 in overtime. The PFWA named Thuney to its 2016 All-Rookie Team at guard. The following season, the Patriots returned to the Super Bowl but fell short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. In 2018, Thuney started all 16 games at left guard for the third consecutive season, and the Patriots reached Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, making Thuney the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons. The Patriots won that game 13–3, with Thuney playing every offensive snap and helping contain Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
Kansas City Chiefs (2021–2024)
Thuney signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 18, 2021. He continued his streak of excellence at left guard for the Chiefs during the 2022 NFL season. The Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, where Thuney’s offensive line performance was pivotal as the unit allowed zero sacks in the championship game. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38–35, giving Thuney his third Super Bowl ring and his first with Kansas City.
In 2023, Thuney was named First-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. However, during the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, he suffered a pectoral injury that ended his playoff run. Despite his absence, the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 25–22, earning Thuney his fourth Super Bowl championship. In the 2024 season, Thuney began on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list before being activated in late July. He later shifted to left tackle in Week 15 following an injury to D.J. Humphries. The Chiefs reached Super Bowl LIX but lost 40–22 to the Eagles, with Thuney surrendering seven pressures and a sack in the championship game.
Chicago Bears (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. On May 20, 2025, Thuney signed a two-year, $35 million contract with Chicago that runs through the 2027 season. In his first season with the Bears, Thuney’s impact was immediate and transformative. The Bears’ offensive line improved dramatically from allowing 68 sacks in 2024 to just 24 sacks in 2025, a testament to his leadership and performance.
Thuney was named First-team All-Pro for the third consecutive season and earned a spot on his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl roster. He became the team’s first interior offensive lineman to receive First-team All-Pro honors since center Jay Hilgenberg in 1989 and their first guard to achieve the distinction since Dick Barwegen in 1951. In the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, Thuney was moved to left tackle following an injury to Ozzy Trapilo, showcasing his positional versatility. At the 15th NFL Honors ceremony, Thuney received the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year Award, recognizing his excellence in protecting quarterbacks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thuney is renowned for his exceptional durability, having started all 163 games throughout his NFL career. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions along the offensive line, including left guard, left tackle, and center when needed. His technical proficiency, football intelligence, and consistency have made him a valuable asset for every team he has joined. His ability to quickly adapt to different roles and maintain high-level performance has distinguished him as one of the most reliable offensive linemen in professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Thuney’s career is highlighted by unprecedented playoff success. His streak of starting in the Super Bowl in his first three seasons remains a unique NFL record. He has accumulated four Super Bowl championships across his career with three different organizations, an extraordinary achievement that underscores his ability to perform at the highest level. His recent recognition as the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year in 2025 further solidifies his legacy as an elite offensive lineman.
Joseph Thuney Career Wins
Thuney has achieved remarkable success throughout his professional football career, accumulating four Super Bowl championships and numerous individual accolades. His consistent excellence has made him one of the most decorated offensive linemen of his generation.
NFL Championships
Thuney has won four Super Bowl championships during his career. His first came with the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI (2017) against the Atlanta Falcons. He won his second championship with the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII (2019) against the Los Angeles Rams. After joining the Kansas City Chiefs, Thuney captured his third Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl LVII (2023) against the Philadelphia Eagles and his fourth in Super Bowl LVIII (2024) against the San Francisco 49ers.
Individual Awards
Thuney has been recognized with multiple All-Pro selections, including three First-team All-Pro honors from 2023 to 2025 and two Second-team All-Pro selections in 2019 and 2022. He has earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2022 to 2025. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016 and received the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year Award in 2025. During his college career at NC State, he was a First-team All-American and First-team All-ACC selection in 2015.
| Award | Count |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl Championships | 4 (LI, LIII, LVII, LVIII) |
| First-team All-Pro | 3 (2023, 2024, 2025) |
| Second-team All-Pro | 2 (2019, 2022) |
| Pro Bowl Selections | 4 (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) |
| Games Started | 163 |
Joseph Thuney Family
Family Background
Thuney was born to Mike Thuney and Beth Thuney in Centerville, Ohio. He has one brother named Eric and two sisters named Monica and Megan. His family has supported his football career throughout his journey from youth football to the NFL.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Thuney has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence. He graduated cum laude from NC State University in just three years while playing football. He later pursued advanced education, earning a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. His dedication to both athletics and academics exemplifies his well-rounded approach to life and career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a transformative year for Joseph Thuney after his mid-season trade to the Chicago Bears in March. His arrival provided immediate credibility and leadership to a Bears offensive line that had struggled in previous seasons. The dramatic improvement from 68 sacks allowed in 2024 to just 24 in 2025 demonstrated his profound impact on the team’s protection schemes and overall line chemistry.
Thuney’s individual performance reached new heights, earning him First-team All-Pro honors for the third consecutive season and extending his Pro Bowl streak to four. His versatility was on full display during the playoffs when injuries forced him to shift positions, yet he maintained his high standard of play regardless of assignment. His recognition as the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year cemented his status as the league’s top offensive lineman.
The Bears’ playoff run saw Thuney anchor an improved offensive line that gave their quarterback more time to operate. While the team ultimately fell short of a championship, Thuney’s influence on the organization was evident in the culture change along the offensive front. Looking ahead, Thuney’s two-year contract through 2027 suggests a long-term commitment to building around his leadership in Chicago.