Josey Jewell Bio
Josey Jewell (born December 25, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, where he became a unanimous All-American and a three-time All-Big Ten selection. Selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jewell spent his first six professional seasons in Denver before signing with the Carolina Panthers in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Josey Jewell was born on December 25, 1994, in Decorah, Iowa. He grew up in the same small northeastern Iowa community where he would later become a local sports icon. Jewell attended Decorah High School, where he developed into a versatile two-way player on the football field.
At Decorah High School, Jewell played both linebacker and running back, showing the range that would later define his college career. He helped his team reach back-to-back Class 3A state title games, winning the 2012 championship with a 49–21 victory over Sioux City Bishop Heelan. During his senior season, he posted 1,314 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns, and 81 total tackles, drawing attention from college recruiters despite a modest two-star rating from 247Sports.
Path to Professional Football
Jewell committed to the University of Iowa, where he redshirted his first year in 2013 before working his way into the Hawkeyes’ defensive rotation. As a redshirt freshman in 2014, he appeared in 11 games and made four starts, recording 51 tackles and one sack. That early playing time gave him the foundation to become a full-time starter the following season.
By his sophomore year, Jewell had emerged as one of the Big Ten Conference’s most productive defenders. His steady production and leadership earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2015 and 2016, along with a spot as a Butkus Award finalist. His development through the Hawkeyes’ pro-style system positioned him as one of the top linebacker prospects heading into his senior year, when he would put together one of the most decorated seasons in program history.
Josey Jewell Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Denver Broncos selected Jewell in the fourth round, 106th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the 14th linebacker taken in that year’s class. On May 10, 2018, the Broncos signed him to a four-year rookie contract worth $3.17 million, including a signing bonus of $713,982. He entered training camp competing for a backup role at inside linebacker.
Jewell appeared in his second career regular season game against the Oakland Raiders, recording two combined tackles. He spent his first two professional seasons learning the Broncos’ defensive scheme and contributing on special teams while adjusting to the speed of the NFL game.
Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Jewell’s role expanded significantly during the 2020 season, when he became a regular contributor in the Broncos’ linebacker rotation. In Week 4 against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, he delivered a standout performance with a team-high 10 tackles and two sacks of quarterback Sam Darnold, helping Denver secure a 37–28 win. That game marked a turning point in his professional trajectory.
His 2021 season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on September 21, 2021, with a pectoral injury. He recovered and returned to the field in 2022, signing a two-year contract extension with the Broncos on March 15, 2022. Later that year, on December 11, 2022, Jewell recorded two interceptions and nine tackles in a 34–28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, showing off the pass-coverage instincts that had defined his college profile.
Carolina Panthers Era (2024–2025)
On March 13, 2024, Jewell signed a three-year, $22.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, leaving Denver after six seasons. The move gave him an opportunity to take on a starting role in a new defensive scheme. He produced steadily for Carolina during the 2024 campaign, recording 100 total tackles, one sack, and one interception while serving as a defensive leader for the Panthers.
On July 22, 2025, the Panthers released Jewell due to health concerns related to lingering concussion symptoms. The decision brought an abrupt end to his Panthers tenure and raised questions about the long-term outlook of his playing career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jewell is regarded as a reliable, between-the-tackles linebacker with strong instincts, dependable tackling fundamentals, and the football intelligence to diagnose plays quickly. His coverage ability, refined during his time at Iowa, allows him to match up with running backs and tight ends in passing situations. Coaches have valued his consistency, locker-room leadership, and willingness to play through injuries when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jewell’s pro career came in December 2020, when his two-sack performance against the New York Jets helped establish him as a key piece of Denver’s defense. His two-interception game against the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2022 served as another signature outing, and his 2017 unanimous All-American campaign at Iowa remains the cornerstone of his football legacy.
Josey Jewell Career Wins
Josey Jewell has built a professional resume defined more by steady production, durability, and team leadership than by win-loss headlines. Across his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, he has been a consistent presence in the middle of the defense, logging heavy snap counts and contributing in both run defense and pass coverage. His career totals through 2024 include 550 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and 22 pass deflections.
NFL Highlights
Jewell’s most productive NFL seasons came during his time with the Denver Broncos from 2020 through 2022, when he was a regular starter and consistently ranked among the team’s leading tacklers. After signing with Carolina in 2024, he continued to produce at a high level before his release in July 2025. While he has not won a major individual NFL award, his longevity and reliability have made him a respected veteran presence in the linebacker room.
Other Wins & Performances
Before turning professional, Jewell was a two-time state championship game participant at Decorah High School, winning the 2012 Class 3A title. He went on to become one of the most decorated linebackers in University of Iowa history, earning consensus All-American honors, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Jack Lambert Trophy, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, all in 2017. He was also a three-time All-Big Ten selection and a Butkus Award finalist in 2016.
Josey Jewell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Josey Jewell was raised in Decorah, Iowa, the same community where he was born. He comes from a small-town Midwest background, and his path to professional football reflects the steady, community-rooted support typical of the region. Details about his parents and immediate family members have not been publicly verified.
Personal Life
Jewell has kept his personal life largely out of the public eye throughout his football career. He has continued to maintain ties to his hometown of Decorah, Iowa, even as his professional journey has taken him to Colorado and the Carolinas. Public information about his marital status, spouse, or children has not been confirmed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL offseason brought a sudden change for Josey Jewell, who had signed a three-year, $22.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in March 2024. On July 22, 2025, the Panthers released him due to health concerns surrounding lingering concussion symptoms, cutting short what was expected to be the second season of his Carolina tenure. The decision was framed by the team as a precaution tied to his long-term well-being.
Looking ahead, Jewell’s immediate football future remains uncertain as he works through the concussion-related health issues that led to his release. Given his career totals of 550 tackles, 12.5 sacks, three interceptions, and a reputation as a respected locker-room leader, he could draw interest from teams once his health allows a return. Whether he resumes his playing career or transitions into a coaching or front-office role, his standing within the NFL linebacker community remains strong.