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Joe Thuney
Joe Thuney
from Wikipedia

Joseph Thuney (/ˈtni/ TOO-nee; born November 18, 1992[1]) 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.[2] He was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round (78th overall) in the 2016 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

His parents Mike and Beth Thuney raised him and their other three children, Monica, Eric and Megan in Centerville, Ohio.[3] There Thuney attended Incarnation Catholic School before becoming a member of two D4 state championship teams at Archbishop Alter High School. As a Senior he was Greater Catholic League Lineman of the Year and president of his senior class.[4] He later earned Master of Business Administration from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington.[5]

College career

[edit]

Thuney played sparingly at NC State during his freshman year. He came into his redshirt sophomore year as the projected starting center but ended up starting the season opener at right tackle, the second game at right guard and the last 10 games at left tackle.[6] In his junior year he started at left guard and at left tackle his senior year. He became the first offensive lineman for NC State to be named an All-American since Jim Ritcher in 1979.[7] He was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, which rewards the best combination of academics, community service, and performance on the field, and he graduated from NC State cum laude in just three years. NFL reporter Matt Verderame claims that when Thuney took the Wonderlic Personnel Test he avoided answering many of the questions so he would not come off as too smart.[8]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+58 in
(1.95 m)
304 lb
(138 kg)
32+14 in
(0.82 m)
9+58 in
(0.24 m)
4.95 s 1.71 s 2.84 s 4.54 s 7.47 s 28+12 in
(0.72 m)
9 ft 2 in
(2.79 m)
28 reps
All values from NFL Combine[9][10]

New England Patriots

[edit]

Thuney was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 78th overall selection, 13 picks before the Patriots drafted his teammate, quarterback Jacoby Brissett.[11] Thuney won the starting left guard spot to start the season and remained the starter for all 16 regular-season games; according to Pro-Football-Reference.com, he played the highest number of snaps of any Patriot in 2016. He also started all three postseason games. On February 5, 2017, Thuney was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[12][13] The PFWA named Thuney to its 2016 All-Rookie Team at guard.[14] Thuney made it to his second straight Super Bowl when the Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots failed to repeat as Super Bowl champions when they lost 41–33 to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thuney once again started all 16 games at left guard for the Patriots in 2018, and for the third time in his three-year career, the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, that makes Thuney the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons.[15] The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 to win their second Super Bowl in three years.[16] Thuney played every offensive snap for the team and helped contain Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.[17]

The Patriots placed the franchise tag on Thuney on March 16, 2020.[18] He signed the franchise tag on March 20, 2020.[19]

In 2020, with David Andrews out on injured reserve, Thuney was pressed into service at center for the Patriots' Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.[20]

Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Thuney in 2023

Thuney signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 18, 2021.[21] Thuney continued to play left guard for the Chiefs during the 2022 NFL season. The Chiefs would go on to Super Bowl LVII where Thuney helped to hold the Philadelphia Eagles defense in check, as the offensive line gave up zero sacks and the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38–35.[22] This was his third Super Bowl ring and first with the Chiefs. In 2023, Thuney was named First-team All-Pro. In the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, Thuney had a pectoral injury that sidelined him for the rest of the playoffs. Without Thuney, the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII 25–22 against the San Francisco 49ers to give Thuney his fourth Super Bowl championship.[23]

On July 17, 2024, Thuney was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.[24] He was activated off of the list on July 28, 2024.[25] In week 15, following an injury to newly signed tackle D. J. Humphries, Thuney had switched to playing left tackle. Mike Caliendo took Thuney's place at left guard, and this arrangement continued throughout the postseason. In the 2024 NFL season, Thuney helped the Chiefs reach Super Bowl LIX, but he gave up 7 pressures and a sack, and the team lost 40–22 to the Eagles.[26]

Chicago Bears

[edit]

On March 12, 2025, Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.[27] On May 20, Thuney signed a two-year, $35 million contract with Chicago that runs through the 2027 season.[28]

Regular season statistics

[edit]
Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Offense
GP GS Snaps Pct Holding False Start Decl/Pen Acpt/Pen
2016 NE 16 16 1,114 100% 6 3 1 9
2017 NE 16 16 1,134 100% 2 0 0 3
2018 NE 16 16 1,119 100% 3 1 0 4
2019 NE 16 16 1,140 99% 0 0 0 0
2020 NE 16 16 979 97% 3 0 0 3
2021 KC 17 17 1,185 99% 4 3 1 7
2022 KC 15 15 999 98% 1 1 0 2
2023 KC 17 17 1,087 97% 0 1 0 2
2024 KC 17 17 1,117 97% 1 0 0 1
Career 146 146 9,884 19 9 2 31

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joe Thuney (born November 18, 1992) is an American football offensive guard for the of the (NFL). A versatile lineman known for his durability and positional flexibility, Thuney has started games at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle throughout his career. Thuney played at , where he earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a senior in 2015. Selected by the in the third round (78th overall) of the , he quickly became a starter, appearing in 80 regular-season games with 78 starts over five seasons (2016–2020). During his time with the Patriots, Thuney contributed to two victories (LI in 2017 and LIII in 2019) and earned his first selection as a second-team guard in 2019. In March 2021, Thuney signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent, where he solidified the offensive line for four seasons (2021–2024). With the Chiefs, he started all 67 regular-season games he appeared in, primarily at left guard, and helped anchor an offense that won two additional Super Bowls (LVII in 2023 and LVIII in 2024). His tenure in Kansas City included three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2022–2024) and three more All-Pro honors: second team in 2022, first team in 2023, and first team in 2024. Thuney was traded to the Bears on , 2025, in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the , and signed a two-year, $35 million extension on May 20, 2025, marking his first season with the team and tenth in the . As of November 16, 2025, he has started all 9 games at left guard for , bringing his career totals to 155 regular-season starts and 21 postseason appearances—the second-most by an offensive lineman in history. Throughout his professional career, Thuney has been recognized for his pass protection and run-blocking prowess, earning a grade above 80 in pass blocking during the 2025 season.

Early life

Upbringing in Ohio

Joe Thuney was born on November 18, 1992, in . He grew up as the youngest of four children in a close-knit family, with parents Mike, a retired , and Beth Thuney, alongside siblings Monica, , and . The Thuney family resided in Centerville, an affluent suburb south of Dayton known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and family-oriented neighborhoods that emphasize community involvement and . This environment provided a stable, supportive Midwestern upbringing, where family dynamics fostered a competitive spirit from an early age, such as when young Joe challenged his older brother to a living room wrestling match and emerged victorious. In his early years, Thuney engaged in typical youth activities within this nurturing setting, benefiting from his parents' encouragement and the community's resources that promoted personal development beyond structured sports. This foundation naturally led to his involvement in high school athletics as a progression from familial support.

High school career

Joe Thuney attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, where he developed his passion for football despite initial challenges related to his size. As a younger player, Thuney stood at approximately 6 feet 2 inches and weighed around 190 pounds, leading many coaches to overlook him early in high school due to his lighter frame compared to typical linemen. Nonetheless, supported by his family in nearby Centerville, he pursued the sport with determination, starting as a two-year varsity offensive lineman under coach Ed Domsitz. During his junior year (2009 season), Thuney contributed to a 15-0 team record, helping win the Division IV state championship. As a senior (2010 season), he played a key role in the team's 11-3 record and semifinals appearance in the Division IV state playoffs, one of two such titles during his high school tenure (the other in 2008). That year, Thuney earned recognition as the Greater Catholic League Lineman of the Year for his performance on the offensive line. Thuney's high school achievements, including his contributions to the state championships, began to attract college attention despite his underrecruited status as a two-star prospect. His consistent play and growth into a 6-foot-5, 245-pound tackle demonstrated potential that programs like NC State recognized, leading to scholarship offers based on his tape and work ethic. He also participated in basketball for three years, showcasing his athletic versatility.

College career

NC State freshman years

Joe Thuney, a two-star offensive line recruit from in , committed to on October 5, 2010, as part of the 2011 recruiting class, choosing the Wolfpack over interest from programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame. He officially signed his on February 1, 2011, following an official visit to campus. Upon enrolling at NC State in the fall of 2011, Thuney redshirted his freshman season under head coach Tom O'Brien, preserving a year of eligibility while focusing on physical development to build strength and size for the demands of . Offensive line coach Jim Bridge, who joined the staff that year, played a key role in Thuney's early adaptation, emphasizing technique and conditioning in practice sessions. Thuney contributed to the scout team and earned offensive scout team player of the week honors for the game against , highlighting his foundational efforts despite no varsity appearances. In 2012, as a true , Thuney saw limited action in eight games, serving primarily in reserve roles along the offensive line behind starter Cam Erving at center and other positions as needed. He gained valuable experience in the Wolfpack's coordinated by Dana Bible, who also oversaw the line and instilled discipline in the unit's blocking schemes. Academically, Thuney began pursuing a degree in through NC State's Poole College of Management, laying the groundwork for his accelerated progress toward graduation.

Starting roles and graduation

As a redshirt sophomore in 2013, Thuney entered the season as the projected starting center for NC State but lost the starting center job to another player, ultimately earning the starting spot and playing in all 13 games with 12 starts across right tackle (one game), right guard (one game), and left tackle (10 games). His contributions helped anchor an offensive line that supported a balanced attack, including over 2,000 rushing yards for the Wolfpack that year. During his junior and senior seasons from 2014 to , Thuney transitioned primarily to guard while maintaining versatility, starting all nine games he appeared in during 2014 at left guard after missing four contests due to mononucleosis, and all 13 games in at left guard before shifting to left tackle late in the year. He earned first-team All-ACC honors in as voted by media, recognizing his blocking prowess that allowed zero sacks in 589 snaps during ACC play. Additionally, Thuney received the Jim Richter Award in as NC State's most valuable offensive lineman, honoring his leadership and performance on a line that facilitated a top-30 national rushing average. Thuney's positional flexibility, honed through experience at both and guard during his tenure, equipped him with the adaptability valued in schemes. Academically, Thuney graduated in 2014 with a in from NC State's Poole of Management before pursuing a second degree in international studies with a minor in Spanish during his senior year, earning Academic All-ACC honors in 2014 and 2015. Heading into the NFL Draft, Thuney showcased his athleticism at the 2016 , where he impressed scouts with his technique as an interior lineman. At the , he recorded 28 repetitions—third among offensive linemen—and a 4.95-second , highlighting his explosiveness despite his 6-foot-5, 304-pound frame.

Professional career

New England Patriots

Joe Thuney was selected by the in the third round, 78th overall, of the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. His college versatility across offensive line positions facilitated a quick transition to the professional level, where he earned a starting role immediately. As a in , Thuney started all 16 regular-season games at left guard, contributing to the Patriots' AFC-best 14-2 record and securing the No. 1 seed in the conference. He appeared in , where the Patriots defeated the 34-28 in overtime, marking his first championship as part of the Tom Brady-led offense that emphasized strong run blocking and pass protection. Thuney's performance helped anchor an offensive line that supported 1,872 rushing yards team-wide during the season. From 2017 to 2020, Thuney maintained his starting role at left guard without missing a single game across 64 regular-season appearances, showcasing durability in a demanding scheme under coaches and . He played a pivotal role in the 2018 season's victory over the , 13-3, bolstering protections for Brady amid the team's dominance, which included four consecutive division titles during his tenure. Thuney's consistent blocking contributed to the Patriots' top-ranked scoring offense in multiple seasons, enabling effective ground games led by running backs like and . Thuney signed a four-year worth approximately $3.2 million with the Patriots following the 2016 draft. In 2020, the team placed the on him, guaranteeing $14.78 million for the season and allowing him to continue starting without interruption.

Kansas City Chiefs

In March 2021, Thuney signed a five-year, $80 million with the as a , marking the team's significant investment in bolstering their offensive line. The deal included $32.5 million in fully guaranteed money over the first two years, positioning him as a cornerstone for protecting quarterback in the Chiefs' high-powered offense. Thuney started at left guard for the Chiefs from 2021 to 2024, anchoring the line during four consecutive AFC West titles and appearances in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. In the 2023 season, he played all 17 regular-season games and contributed to the Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, where the offense allowed zero sacks. His role extended to Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, despite missing the game due to a pectoral injury sustained in the divisional round, as Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers for their second straight championship. Throughout these seasons, Thuney demonstrated resilience, starting 15 games in 2022 despite an ankle issue and all 17 in both 2023 and 2024 while recovering from minor ailments. His prior experience in the New England Patriots' system provided a seamless transition to the Chiefs' scheme, allowing him to quickly adapt to Andy Reid's protections. Thuney's performance highlights included elite pass protection, with a league-low pressure rate of 4.4% in one season and consistently fewer than three sacks allowed annually, enabling Mahomes to operate effectively in a scheme emphasizing quick releases and play-action. He earned a selection in 2022 and second-team honors that year from the , followed by selections and first-team honors in both 2023 and 2024, recognizing his contributions to an offense that ranked among the NFL's top units in scoring. As a key protector on Mahomes' left side, Thuney facilitated the Chiefs' explosive plays, including supporting Isiah Pacheco's ground game and opening lanes in zone-blocking schemes that powered back-to-back runs. In the 2025 offseason, following the 2024 season, the Chiefs traded Thuney to the in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick, as he entered the final year of his contract. This move allowed Kansas City to reallocate resources amid considerations while parting with a who had become integral to their aspirations.

Chicago Bears

Thuney joined the in March 2025 via a trade from the in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick, marking his 10th season and immediate installation as the starting left guard. In the ensuing offseason, he signed a two-year extension worth $35 million, including a $15 million signing bonus and $33.5 million in guarantees, securing his presence with the Bears through the 2027 season. Through Week 10 of the 2025 season, Thuney had started all 10 games, earning an elite 85.4 PFF pass-blocking grade that ranked first among all guards, while allowing zero sacks and just one penalty in 601 offensive snaps. His addition has significantly bolstered the Bears' offensive line, where he was projected as the team's third-most important player entering the season for his role in protecting quarterback and fostering a championship-oriented Midwest team culture drawn from his prior successes. Thuney has received under-the-radar praise for his unwavering consistency, with 156 career regular-season starts as of Week 10 of the 2025 season while committing only three penalties in his previous 32 outings before 2025.

Career statistics

Regular season

Joe Thuney has played in 150 regular season games during his NFL career from 2016 to 2025, starting all 150 contests primarily at left guard after initial experience at left tackle with the New England Patriots. His positional versatility allowed him to adapt from left tackle in his rookie season—where he made 15 starts at LT and 1 at LG—to a full-time left guard role starting in 2017, a position he held through his tenures with the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears. Thuney has demonstrated consistency in snap participation, averaging over 97% offensive snaps per game across his career, with low penalty counts (29 total, mostly holding and false starts) and minimal sacks allowed, reflecting his reliability in pass protection. The following table summarizes Thuney's regular season statistics by year, including games played and started, primary positions, penalties, estimated sacks allowed (based on available pressure data), and PFF overall grades where applicable.
YearTeamGPGSPositions StartedPenalties (Holding/False Start)Sacks AllowedPFF Overall Grade
2016161615 LT, 1 LG6/3270.5
20171616LG2/0175.2
20181616LG3/1172.1
20191616LG0/0082.0
20201616LG3/0278.9
20211717LG3/3180.4
20221515LG1/1176.8
20231717LG0/1074.6
20241717LG1/0079.9
202577LG0/1072.8
Career Totals15015015 LT, 135 LG19/9875.6 (avg)
Thuney's penalty rate has decreased over time, with zero holding penalties in his last three seasons, contributing to his reputation as one of the league's cleaner interior linemen. Advanced metrics from PFF highlight his elite pass-blocking ability, particularly in (82.0 grade) and 2024 (79.9 grade), where he ranked among the top guards in pressure allowance rates below 4%. As of November 2025, he has maintained a league-leading 85.6 pass-blocking grade while starting all seven games at left guard for the Bears.

Postseason

Joe Thuney has participated in 21 postseason games throughout his career, starting every contest and maintaining perfect attendance in all playoff appearances qualified by his teams. His postseason experience includes deep playoff runs with the from the 2016 to 2019 seasons and with the from the 2021 to 2024 seasons, where he logged key snaps in multiple AFC Championship games and Super Bowls. Specifically, he played three games each in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 postseasons with the Patriots, one game in 2019, three games in 2021 and 2022 with the Chiefs, four games in 2023, and three games in 2024. Thuney's postseason performance emphasizes elite pass protection and run blocking under pressure, allowing just two sacks across his six Super Bowl appearances while committing minimal penalties to support quarterback protection for Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. He recovered two fumbles in playoff games—one in the 2016 Wild Card win over Houston and another in the 2021 AFC Championship loss to Cincinnati—contributing to critical possessions. His low sack allowance rate, particularly zero in several high-stakes AFC Championship contests, underscores his reliability in containing elite pass rushers during extended playoff drives. The following table summarizes Thuney's postseason games by year, including rounds, opponents, games played/started (GP/GS), position, and notable impacts:
Postseason YearTeamGP/GSPositionRounds and OpponentsNotable Impacts
2016NE3/3WC: HOU (W); Div: PIT (W); SB LI: ATL (W)Recovered in WC; zero sacks allowed in SB, aiding overtime protection.
2017NE3/3WC: TEN (W); Div: JAX (W); SB LII: (L)99 snaps in SB; one sack allowed in loss.
2018NE3/3Div: LAC (W); AFC: KC (W); SB LIII: LAR (W)Zero sacks in AFC Champ vs. former team; strong run blocking in low-scoring SB win.
2019NE1/1WC: TEN (L)Solid debut in loss; no penalties or sacks allowed.
2021KC3/3WC: PIT (W); Div: BUF (W); AFC: CIN (L)Recovered in AFC; zero sacks in overtime Divisional win.
2022KC3/3Div: JAX (W); AFC: CIN (W); SB LVII: (W)Key blocks in comeback AFC win; zero sacks in SB.
2023KC4/4WC: MIA (W); Div: BUF (W); AFC: BAL (W); SB LVIII: SF (W)Low penalties; effective in cold-weather Div win; zero sacks in SB.
2024KC3/3Div: PIT (W); AFC: BUF (W); SB LIX: (L)One sack in SB loss; protected Mahomes in tight AFC game.
In (2017 vs. ), Thuney started at left guard and helped limit the Falcons' to zero sacks in the victory. Similarly, in (2019 vs. ), his blocking contributed to a second half with no sacks allowed. With the Chiefs, he anchored the line in (2023 vs. ), allowing zero sacks in the 38-35 win, and (2024 vs. ), where minimal pressures supported the triumph, though he permitted one sack in (2025 vs. ) during a 40-22 defeat.

Awards and honors

Super Bowl championships

Joe Thuney earned his first Super Bowl championship as a rookie with the in on February 5, 2017, where the team staged a historic 34–28 overtime comeback victory against the after trailing 28–3. Starting at left guard, Thuney contributed to the offensive line's efforts in protecting quarterback during the pivotal second-half rally, playing a key role in the unit that enabled 521 total yards and three second-half touchdowns. Thuney's second ring came in Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019, as the Patriots defeated the 13–3 in a defensively dominated game. As the starting left guard, he played a lead role in containing Rams , one of the league's premier pass rushers, helping limit the Rams to just 75 rushing yards and no touchdowns while allowing minimal pressures on Brady. The Patriots' offensive line, anchored by Thuney, supported a game plan focused on short passes and runs that controlled the clock and preserved the low-scoring win. After signing with the in 2021, Thuney secured his third championship in on February 12, 2023, a 38–35 victory over the . Starting at left guard, he provided solid protection for quarterback , allowing just two pressures and two hurries on 31 pass-blocking snaps, contributing to the Chiefs' 333 passing yards and the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. His performance helped the offensive line neutralize much of the Eagles' aggressive front, enabling Kansas City's comeback from a halftime deficit. Thuney's fourth Super Bowl victory occurred in on February 11, 2024, when the Chiefs edged the 25–22 in overtime. Sidelined by a pectoral injury sustained in the divisional round, Thuney did not play in the game or the AFC Championship but earned the ring as a key contributor to the Chiefs' regular-season success and early playoff run. His leadership and prior efforts were instrumental in building the momentum that led to Kansas City's back-to-back titles. Thuney remains undefeated in Super Bowl appearances with a 4–0 record, starting in the first three contests and establishing himself as a consistent presence on championship-caliber offensive lines across two franchises.

Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections

Joe Thuney has earned three selections during his career, all as a starter for the in 2022, 2023, and 2024. These honors recognize his consistent excellence as an offensive guard, based on fan, player, and coach voting that highlights his pass protection and run blocking prowess. In 2022, Thuney's selection came after he posted an 89.6 PFF pass-blocking grade, the highest among all guards that season, contributing to his recognition as one of the league's top interior linemen. Thuney has received four Associated Press (AP) All-Pro honors, with two first-team selections in 2023 and 2024, and second-team nods in 2019 with the New England Patriots and 2022 with the Chiefs. The AP All-Pro teams are determined by a nationwide panel of media members evaluating players' regular-season performance, emphasizing metrics such as low penalty counts and high efficiency in blocking assignments. For instance, in 2023, Thuney's elite play earned him first-team status after allowing just one sack and maintaining a top-tier PFF overall grade of 74.6 among guards. His 2019 second-team honor as a rookie-eligible veteran underscored his rapid rise, having started all 16 games with minimal disruptions. These accolades affirm Thuney's status as one of the NFL's premier offensive guards, with his consistent selections reflecting sustained elite performance across multiple teams. Early in his career, he also garnered PFWA All-Rookie honors in 2016 after starting every game for the Patriots as a third-round draft pick. As of the ongoing 2025 season with the , Thuney has not yet been selected for a or team, though his strong start suggests potential for future recognition.

References

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