Josey Jewell

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jewell's journey began at Decorah High School in Iowa, where he played both linebacker and running back. In his senior year, he rushed for 1,314 yards and 21 touchdowns while recording 81 tackles, leading his team to a state title victory over Sioux City Bishop Heelan with a score of 49–21. Rated as a two-star prospect by 247Sports, he committed to Iowa. After redshirting in 2013, he emerged as a starter, leading the Hawkeyes in tackles for three consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2017. His junior year earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors and a Butkus Award finalist spot. As a senior in 2017, he led the Big Ten with 125 tackles, winning the Jack Lambert Award and earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors alongside his unanimous All-American status.

In Their Own Story

In Week 4 of the 2020 season on Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets, Jewell delivered a standout performance during Denver's 37–28 victory. He recorded a team-high ten tackles and sacked quarterback Sam Darnold twice, showcasing his impact in critical moments. His time with the Broncos also included a significant injury setback; on September 21, 2021, he was placed on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury. Despite this, he returned to sign a two-year contract extension on March 15, 2022. One of his final memorable games for Denver occurred on December 11, 2022, against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he secured two interceptions and nine tackles in a 34–28 loss.

Reader's Guide

Josey Jewell was selected by the Broncos as the 106th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft, becoming the 14th linebacker chosen that year. On May 10, 2018, he signed a four-year contract worth $3.17 million, which included a signing bonus of $713,982. Entering training camp, he competed for a backup inside linebacker role against Zaire Anderson, Joseph Jones, Jerrol Garcia-Williams, and Keishawn Bierria. His early NFL experience was modest, recording just two combined tackles in his second career regular season game against the Oakland Raiders. Later in his Denver tenure, he continued to contribute significantly until his release from the Carolina Panthers on July 22, 2025, due to health concerns surrounding lingering concussion symptoms.

Did You Know?

• Josey Jewell was born on December 25, 1994.
• He led the Big Ten with 125 tackles during his senior season in 2017.
• In a Week 4 game against the New York Jets in 2020, he recorded two sacks and ten tackles.
• Jewell was released by the Carolina Panthers on July 22, 2025, due to lingering concussion symptoms.
• He helped his high school team win a state title with a 49–21 victory over Sioux City Bishop Heelan in 2012.