Bradley Bozeman Bio
Bradley Bozeman is an American professional football player who has spent eight seasons as a center in the National Football League (NFL). He currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers after previously spending time with the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers. Bozeman was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft following a distinguished college career at the University of Alabama, where he won two College Football Playoff national championships. He is recognized as a durable and reliable offensive lineman who has started over 100 games throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Bradley Bozeman was born on November 24, 1994, in Roanoke, Alabama. He attended Handley High School in Roanoke, where he established himself as a highly regarded offensive line prospect. His performance in high school earned him a four-star recruiting rating, making him one of the more sought-after linemen in the country. Bozeman’s success at the high school level attracted attention from numerous major college programs across the Southeast.
During his time at Handley High School, Bozeman developed the foundation for the technical skills and physical attributes that would serve him well at the collegiate level. His combination of size, strength, and football intelligence positioned him as a prospect capable of competing at the highest level of college football. The discipline and work ethic he cultivated during these formative years would prove instrumental in his eventual transition to Division I competition.
Path to the NFL
Following his standout high school career, Bozeman received scholarship offers from several prominent college football programs, including Auburn, Clemson, and Tennessee. He ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic pursuits at the University of Alabama, committing to the Crimson Tide in 2013. This decision placed him in one of the premier football programs in the country, where he would have the opportunity to develop under elite coaching and compete against the best collegiate talent in the nation.
Bozeman redshirted as a true freshman during the 2013 season, using that year to adapt to the significantly elevated competition level and refine his technique. The following year, as a redshirt freshman, he appeared in nine games and earned his first two career starts against Arkansas and Texas A&M. This early playing time provided valuable experience that would accelerate his development as he worked toward a more prominent role in the Alabama offensive line rotation.
Bradley Bozeman Career
College Career at Alabama (2013–2017)
Bradley Bozeman became a fixture in the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line rotation beginning in 2015, appearing in all 15 games as a reserve guard and center. His versatility and reliability during this season demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, a trait that would enhance his value to the team. The experience gained during this campaign proved essential in preparing him for the starting role that would soon become available.
Prior to the 2016 season, Bozeman earned the starting position at center, succeeding Ryan Kelly, who had been selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the NFL Draft. He started all 15 games during the 2016 season, helping anchor an offense that produced 11 individual 100-yard rushing performances. His consistency and leadership qualities were evident throughout this campaign, and his teammates voted him as one of the team captains for the 2017 season. In his redshirt senior year, Bozeman served as the starting center for an Alabama team that captured the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. For his performance during the 2017 season, he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors.
Baltimore Ravens (2018–2021)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Bradley Bozeman in the sixth round with the 215th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games and made one start at left guard against the New Orleans Saints. This limited but meaningful playing time allowed him to adjust to the speed and complexity of professional football while continuing to develop his craft under the guidance of experienced coaches and veteran teammates.
During the 2019 season, Bozeman earned the starting left guard position and started every game for the Ravens. He continued this remarkable durability into the 2020 campaign, again starting all 16 games at left guard. His consistency and reliability along the interior of the offensive line became a trademark of his game, and he established himself as a core member of the Ravens front five. Prior to the 2021 season, Bozeman made the transition from left guard to center, a move that reflected both his versatility and the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to anchor the offensive line from the pivot position.
Carolina Panthers (2022–2023)
On March 18, 2022, Bradley Bozeman signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, joining a new organization for the first time in his professional career. This move represented both an opportunity to continue his NFL journey and a chance to contribute to a Panthers team looking to build a competitive roster around its young core. Bozeman brought experience, durability, and a winning mentality developed during his years at Alabama and his tenure with the Ravens.
Following a solid first season with the Panthers, Bozeman demonstrated his value to the organization by signing a three-year, $18 million contract extension on March 13, 2023. This deal reflected the importance the Panthers placed on maintaining stability along their offensive line. Bozeman’s performance and leadership helped provide a foundation for the team’s offensive efforts during his time in Carolina.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–Present)
Bradley Bozeman joined the Los Angeles Chargers on March 18, 2024, signing with the team that would become his fourth NFL franchise. Upon joining the Chargers, he was immediately named the starting center and went on to start all 17 games during the 2024 season. This continued his streak of durability and reliability that has characterized his professional career, appearing in every game while anchoring the offensive line.
On March 10, 2025, Bozeman signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension with the Chargers, securing his place with the organization through the 2026 season. This extension demonstrated the Chargers’ commitment to maintaining an experienced and capable center as they built their roster for future success. Bozeman’s leadership and consistency have made him a valuable veteran presence in the Chargers’ offensive line room.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bradley Bozeman has established a reputation as a durable, consistent, and technically sound center throughout his professional career. His experience playing both guard and center positions at the collegiate and professional levels has given him a comprehensive understanding of the offensive line and the flexibility to adapt to different blocking schemes. His leadership abilities were recognized early in his career, earning him team captain honors at Alabama, and he has continued to serve as a veteran voice in the locker rooms he has joined. His communication skills at the line of scrimmage help coordinate the offensive line protections and adjustments against complex defensive fronts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Bozeman has achieved several significant milestones that highlight his longevity and reliability in the NFL. His selection in the 2018 NFL Draft marked the culmination of his collegiate career at Alabama, where he was part of two national championship teams. His durability has been a hallmark of his professional career, with starting roles at multiple positions across three different organizations. The extension he signed with the Chargers in March 2025 underscores the value that NFL teams place on experienced interior linemen who can perform at a high level consistently.
Bradley Bozeman Career Wins
Bradley Bozeman has accumulated an impressive record of individual achievements and team successes throughout his football career at both the collegiate and professional levels. His journey from a four-star high school recruit to a durable NFL starter spans over a decade of competitive football.
College Career Highlights
During his five seasons at the University of Alabama, Bozeman was part of two College Football Playoff National Championship teams, winning titles following the 2015 and 2017 seasons. His performance during his redshirt senior season earned him Second-Team All-SEC recognition, validating his development into one of the top centers in college football. He started a combined 30 games during his final two collegiate seasons, helping the Crimson Tide establish one of the most prolific rushing attacks in the country.
Professional Career Statistics
Through his eight NFL seasons, Bozeman has appeared in 129 games and started 110 of them. His durability has been exceptional, particularly during his time with the Ravens, where he started every game in two separate seasons. His ability to remain healthy and productive has made him a valuable asset to every organization he has joined. After starting all 17 games for the Chargers in 2024, he continued his streak of reliability with the franchise.
Bradley Bozeman Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Bradley Bozeman married Nikki Hegstetter, a former University of Alabama basketball player, on March 23, 2019. The couple’s relationship began during their college years at Alabama, and Bozeman proposed to Hegstetter following the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Georgia. Their shared athletic backgrounds have contributed to a mutual understanding of the demands and sacrifices required to succeed at the highest levels of competitive sports.
Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation
In 2018, Bradley and Nikki Bozeman established the Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children and their families. The foundation focuses on educating young people about the dangers of childhood bullying and provides resources to help families address this issue. During the 2020 pandemic, the foundation organized food drives in partnership with Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries to assist community members facing hardship. The Bozeman’s commitment to giving back reflects their desire to make a positive impact beyond the football field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Bradley Bozeman’s second year with the Los Angeles Chargers following his March 2024 signing. After being named the starting center during his first season with the team and starting all 17 games, Bozeman returned to anchor the Chargers’ offensive line. His presence provided stability and experience at the center position, helping protect the quarterback and establish the running game throughout the season.
Bozeman’s continued durability and reliability proved essential for a Chargers team looking to build upon its progress. His leadership in the offensive line room and communication skills helped coordinate protections against various defensive schemes. The two-year, $6.5 million extension he signed in March 2025 reflected the organization’s confidence in his ability to perform at a high level. His experience from three different NFL franchises gave him a unique perspective that benefited both his teammates and the coaching staff as they navigated the challenges of a competitive season.