Devin Marquese Bush Jr. Bio
Devin Marquese Bush Jr. is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 18, 1998, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Bush emerged as one of the most decorated collegiate defenders before beginning his NFL career in 2019. He was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and has since established himself as a dynamic linebacker known for his hard-hitting style and playmaking ability. Bush’s journey from Florida high school football to the NFL reflects his dedication to the sport and his legacy as the son of former NFL safety Devin Bush Sr.
Early Life and Background
Devin Marquese Bush Jr. was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he grew up following in the footsteps of his father, Devin Bush Sr., who played the safety position in the NFL from 1995 to 2002. The younger Bush attended Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, where he developed his skills as a multi-faceted defender. Playing high school football in South Florida provided Bush with exposure to competitive football and helped him refine his abilities before his collegiate career.
Path to American Football
Bush received significant recruiting attention from major college programs. In December 2015, he made the notable decision to reject a scholarship offer from Florida State University, where his father had played, and instead committed to play for the Michigan Wolverines football team. This decision marked the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the premier linebackers in college football. In February 2016, Michigan hired his father as a defensive analyst for the coaching staff, reuniting the Bush family in Ann Arbor.
Bush enrolled at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2016 and immediately made an impact. He appeared in all 13 games as a freshman for the 2016 Michigan Wolverines, quickly earning a reputation as the hardest-hitting player on the team. His physical style of play and ability to make plays in the backfield set the foundation for his future success at the collegiate level.
Devin Marquese Bush Jr. Career
College Career at Michigan (2016–2018)
Bush won the starting job at inside linebacker for the 2017 Michigan team, establishing himself as a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference. In the season opener against Florida, he posted seven tackles including three tackles for loss and two sacks. Two weeks later, he recorded a career-high 12 tackles against Air Force. Through the first three games of the 2017 season, he led the Big Ten with four sacks and five tackles for loss. Following the season, Bush was named to the All-Big Ten defensive first-team by the coaches and second-team by the media, and he earned second-team All-American honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Prior to the 2018 season, Bush was elected captain of the Wolverines by his teammates, reflecting his leadership and impact on the program. He was also named an AP preseason first-team All-American. That season, Bush led the team with 80 tackles and ranked second with 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Following the 2018 season, he was awarded the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year honors, and he earned consensus All-American status. On December 19, 2018, Bush announced his decision to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2019 NFL draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2022)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Bush in the first round (10th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft, continuing the family legacy as his father was also a first-round pick in 1995. The Steelers traded their first and second-round picks in 2019 along with a third-round pick in 2020 to move up and select Bush. On May 12, 2019, the Steelers signed Bush to a fully guaranteed four-year, $18.87 million contract with an $11.74 million signing bonus.
Bush made an immediate impact during his rookie season. He debuted in Week 1 against the New England Patriots with 11 tackles in the 33-3 loss. In Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, he became the first rookie since Eddie Jackson in 2017 to record a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception in the same game, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Bush was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team following the 2019 season.
In 2020, Bush started the first five games and was playing every defensive snap before suffering a torn ACL in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, ending his season. He returned for the 2021 season, appearing in and starting 14 games while recording two sacks, 70 tackles, and one forced fumble. In 2022, his final season with Pittsburgh, Bush played in 17 games with 14 starts, recording 81 tackles. The Steelers declined the fifth-year option on his contract that May, making him a free agent after the season.
Seattle Seahawks (2023)
On March 16, 2023, Bush signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He appeared in 13 games with three starts, playing primarily on special teams and serving as a backup linebacker on defense. This season represented a transition period in Bush’s career as he adjusted to a reduced role with a new team.
Cleveland Browns (2024–2025)
Bush signed with the Cleveland Browns on March 15, 2024, on a one-year contract. He made 16 appearances with 10 starts during the 2024 season, recording three pass deflections, one sack, and 76 combined tackles. On March 11, 2025, Bush re-signed with the Browns on another one-year contract worth $3.25 million.
The 2025 season proved to be a career-defining year for Bush. He started all 17 games and finished second on the team with a career-high 125 tackles. He also recorded two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight passes defensed, and three interceptions, returning two of those interceptions for touchdowns. In Week 18 of the 2025 season, Bush recorded 14 tackles and returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown in a 20-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Chicago Bears (2026–Present)
On March 11, 2026, Bush signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Chicago Bears, marking a significant milestone in his career as he joins a new franchise with long-term security. This move represented an opportunity for Bush to continue his NFL journey with a team looking to build its defensive identity around his experience and playmaking ability.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bush is known for his aggressive, physical style of play that dates back to his collegiate career at Michigan, where he earned a reputation as the hardest-hitting player on the Wolverines defense. His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to make stops in the backfield and create negative plays for opposing offenses. Bush excels in both run defense and pass coverage, demonstrating versatility that has kept him on the field for multiple defensive packages throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Bush has accumulated several notable achievements including being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019 and earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. His 97-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final week of the 2025 season showcased his ability to make game-changing plays. Bush has also demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as a captain during his final season at Michigan.
Devin Marquese Bush Jr. Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Bush has established himself as a productive defender with significant statistical achievements across multiple seasons. His career includes stints with four NFL teams, consistently demonstrating his ability to make plays at the linebacker position.
| Competition Level | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (through 2025) | 84 | 524 | 7 | 5 |
| Michigan Wolverines (2016–2018) | 40 | 194 | 10 | 1 |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Bush comes from a distinguished football family. His father, Devin Bush Sr., played in the NFL as a safety from 1995 to 2002 and was also a first-round draft pick in 1995. The elder Bush played college football at Florida State before his NFL career. In February 2016, Michigan hired Devin Bush Sr. as a defensive analyst, allowing father and son to work together during Devin Jr.’s collegiate career. This family connection to football has shaped Bush’s development and career trajectory from an early age.
Personal Life
Bush has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field. His focus on football and professional development has been evident throughout his career. As he continues his NFL journey with the Chicago Bears, Bush brings the same work ethic and determination that characterized his collegiate success and early professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a breakthrough year for Bush with the Cleveland Browns. After signing his second consecutive one-year contract in March, Bush emerged as a consistent performer in the middle of Cleveland’s defense. His 125 tackles ranked second on the team and demonstrated his continued ability to be a productive defender in the NFL.
Bush’s versatility was on full display throughout the season. He contributed in multiple facets of the game, recording two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight passes defensed, and three interceptions with two returned for touchdowns. His ability to make plays both against the run and in pass coverage made him a valuable piece of the Browns’ defensive scheme.
The defining moment of Bush’s 2025 season came in the regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. He delivered a standout performance with 14 tackles and a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. This explosive play demonstrated his playmaking ability and provided a memorable conclusion to his career year. Following this strong season, Bush signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Chicago Bears, validating his performance and securing his future in the NFL.