Brian Bosworth: Hall Of Famer Or Overrated Bust?

Nelle Farrell 04 Jul 2025

Who is Brian Bosworth?

Brian Bosworth is a former American football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons during the 1980s and 1990s.

He played college football for the University of Oklahoma, where he was a consensus All-American and won the Butkus Award. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft, and also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

Bosworth was a controversial figure during his playing days, known for his outspoken personality and aggressive style of play. He was also a talented actor, appearing in several films and television shows after his football career ended.

Name	Brian Bosworth
Born	March 9, 1965 (age 57)
Birth Place	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	240 lb (109 kg)
College	Oklahoma
NFL Draft	1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3
Position	Linebacker
Teams	Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins

Brian Bosworth's Legacy

Brian Bosworth is remembered as one of the most colorful and controversial players in NFL history. He was a talented player who was known for his aggressive style of play. He was also a outspoken personality who was often in the news for his off-field antics.

Bosworth's legacy is a mixed one. He was a great player who helped his teams win games. However, he was also a controversial figure who was often in the news for the wrong reasons.

Brian Bosworth

Brian Bosworth is a former American football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons during the 1980s and 1990s. He played college football for the University of Oklahoma, where he was a consensus All-American and won the Butkus Award. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft, and also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

Linebacker
Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
Butkus Award
All-American
Oklahoma

These key aspects provide a concise overview of Brian Bosworth's career and accomplishments. He was a standout linebacker who played for several NFL teams. He was also a decorated college player, winning the Butkus Award and being named an All-American. Bosworth is remembered as one of the most colorful and controversial players in NFL history.

1. Linebacker

A linebacker is a defensive position in American football. Linebackers are responsible for stopping the opposing team's running game and providing pass coverage. They are typically the most athletic players on the field and must be able to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Tackling
Linebackers are responsible for making tackles on the opposing team's ball carriers. They must be able to shed blocks and make open-field tackles.
Coverage
Linebackers also drop back into coverage to defend against passes. They must be able to read the quarterback's intentions and cover their assigned receivers.
Blitzing
Linebackers can also be used as blitzers, which means they rush the quarterback in an attempt to sack them or force them to throw the ball away.
Leadership
Linebackers are often the leaders of the defense. They must be able to communicate with their teammates and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Brian Bosworth was one of the most famous linebackers in NFL history. He was a hard-hitting tackler and a vocal leader on the field. Bosworth was also a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the best linebackers of his era.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Brian Bosworth's NFL career began with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him with the third overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft. Bosworth quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle, known for his hard-hitting style of play and outspoken personality.

Rookie of the Year
Bosworth was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1987, after recording 103 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He was a key member of the Seahawks' defense, which helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game that season.
All-Pro
Bosworth was named to the All-Pro team twice during his time with the Seahawks, in 1987 and 1988. He was one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL, and was known for his ability to deliver devastating hits.
Controversial figure
Bosworth was also a controversial figure during his time with the Seahawks. He was often fined for his on-field antics, and he was involved in several off-field incidents. However, he remained a popular figure with Seahawks fans.

Bosworth's time with the Seahawks came to an end in 1990, when he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he remains one of the most iconic players in Seahawks history.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Brian Bosworth's NFL career continued with the Philadelphia Eagles, who acquired him in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in 1990. Bosworth's time with the Eagles was less successful than his time in Seattle, as he struggled with injuries and off-field issues.

Injuries
Bosworth was plagued by injuries during his time with the Eagles. He missed most of the 1991 season with a knee injury, and he was never able to regain his old form.
Off-field issues
Bosworth continued to be a controversial figure during his time with the Eagles. He was arrested for drunk driving in 1991, and he was involved in several other off-field incidents.
Limited playing time
Bosworth's injuries and off-field issues limited his playing time with the Eagles. He started only 16 games in two seasons with the team.

Bosworth was released by the Eagles in 1992, and his NFL career came to an end. He remains a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most talented linebackers of his era.

4. Washington Redskins

Brian Bosworth's NFL career ended with the Washington Redskins, who signed him as a free agent in 1993. Bosworth's time with the Redskins was brief and unsuccessful, as he was released after just one season.

Bosworth's release from the Redskins was due to a number of factors, including injuries, off-field issues, and a lack of playing time. Bosworth was never able to regain his old form after suffering a knee injury in 1991, and he was also involved in several off-field incidents during his time with the Redskins.

Bosworth's release from the Redskins marked the end of his NFL career. He had been a controversial figure throughout his career, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most talented linebackers of his era.

5. Butkus Award

The Butkus Award is given annually to the best college linebacker in the United States. It is named after Dick Butkus, a Hall of Fame linebacker who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s and 1970s.

Brian Bosworth won the Butkus Award in 1986, his junior year at the University of Oklahoma. He was the first player from Oklahoma to win the award, and he remains the only Sooner to have won it.

Bosworth's Butkus Award is a testament to his outstanding collegiate career. He was a consensus All-American and one of the most feared linebackers in the country. He helped lead Oklahoma to a national championship in 1985, and he was a key member of the Sooners' defense that was ranked among the best in the nation.

Bosworth's Butkus Award is also a significant achievement because it helped to raise his profile and make him one of the most sought-after players in the 1987 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the third overall pick, and he went on to have a successful NFL career.

Bosworth's Butkus Award is a reminder of his greatness as a college football player. He was one of the most dominant linebackers in the country, and he helped lead his team to a national championship.

6. All-American

All-American is a prestigious honor bestowed upon the most outstanding college football players in the United States. It is awarded by various organizations, including the Associated Press (AP), the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

Brian Bosworth was named a consensus All-American in 1986, his junior year at the University of Oklahoma. He was the first player from Oklahoma to win the award, and he remains the only Sooner to have won it.

Bosworth's All-American selection was a testament to his outstanding collegiate career. He was one of the most feared linebackers in the country, and he helped lead Oklahoma to a national championship in 1985. He was also a key member of the Sooners' defense that was ranked among the best in the nation.

Bosworth's All-American selection was also a significant achievement because it helped to raise his profile and make him one of the most sought-after players in the 1987 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the third overall pick, and he went on to have a successful NFL career.

Bosworth's All-American selection is a reminder of his greatness as a college football player. He was one of the most dominant linebackers in the country, and he helped lead his team to a national championship.

7. Oklahoma

Brian Bosworth's connection to Oklahoma runs deep. He was born in Oklahoma City and raised in the state. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a star linebacker and won the Butkus Award in 1986. Bosworth was also a member of the Oklahoma Sooners football team that won the national championship in 1985.

Bosworth's time at Oklahoma helped him to develop into one of the most feared linebackers in college football. He was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his aggressive personality. Bosworth was also a leader on the Sooners' defense, and he helped to lead the team to a number of victories.

Bosworth's connection to Oklahoma is still strong today. He is a member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, and he frequently returns to the state to visit friends and family. Bosworth is also a supporter of the University of Oklahoma, and he often speaks to the football team about the importance of hard work and dedication.

Bosworth's connection to Oklahoma is a source of pride for both him and the state. He is one of the most successful football players to come out of Oklahoma, and he is a role model for many young people in the state.

FAQs about Brian Bosworth

Question 1: What is Brian Bosworth's most notable achievement?

Answer: Brian Bosworth's most notable achievement is winning the Butkus Award in 1986, which is given annually to the best college linebacker in the United States.

Question 2: What NFL teams did Brian Bosworth play for?

Answer: Brian Bosworth played for the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins.

Question 3: What was Brian Bosworth's nickname?

Answer: Brian Bosworth's nickname was "The Boz".

Question 4: What is Brian Bosworth's current occupation?

Answer: Brian Bosworth is currently a motivational speaker and author.

Question 5: What is Brian Bosworth's legacy?

Answer: Brian Bosworth is remembered as one of the most talented and controversial players in NFL history. He was a hard-hitting linebacker who was known for his aggressive style of play. Bosworth was also a outspoken personality who was often in the news for his off-field antics.

Summary: Brian Bosworth is a former American football player who had a successful career in the NFL. He was a talented linebacker who was known for his hard-hitting style of play. Bosworth was also a controversial figure who was often in the news for his off-field antics.

Transition to the next article section: Brian Bosworth's legacy is still debated today. Some people believe that he was one of the greatest linebackers of all time, while others believe that he was a overrated player who was more style than substance. Regardless of one's opinion of Bosworth, there is no doubt that he was one of the most colorful and controversial players in NFL history.

Conclusion on Brian Bosworth

Brian Bosworth is a complex and controversial figure in the world of football. He was a talented player who was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his outspoken personality. He was also a controversial figure who was often in the news for his off-field antics.

Bosworth's legacy is still debated today. Some people believe that he was one of the greatest linebackers of all time, while others believe that he was a overrated player who was more style than substance. Regardless of one's opinion of Bosworth, there is no doubt that he was one of the most colorful and controversial players in NFL history.

Bosworth's story is a reminder that there is more to life than football. He was a talented player who achieved great success on the field, but he also struggled with personal demons off the field. Bosworth's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and fortune, and it is a reminder that even the most successful people can be brought down by their own mistakes.

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