Joe Thuney

Joe Thuney's Biography

Joseph Thuney, born on November 18, 1992, is a celebrated professional American football guard for the National Football League’s (NFL) Kansas City Chiefs. Thuney’s journey to the NFL took off from the humble beginnings of Centerville, Ohio, where his parents, Mike and Beth Thuney, raised him alongside his three siblings Monica, Eric, and Megan. His youth was filled with triumphs on the football field at Archbishop Alter High School, where he was a crucial component of two D4 state championship teams. His last year of high school saw him being crowned the Greater Catholic League Lineman of the Year and president of his senior class.

From high school, Thuney moved on to North Carolina State University, where his freshman year saw him testing the waters of college football with minimal playing time. However, his redshirt sophomore year marked a turning point for Thuney as he earned a spot of significance, alternating between starting at right tackle, right guard, and left tackle. His versatility contributed to a successful college career as an offensive lineman, earning him the honor of being the first NC State All-American offensive lineman since Jim Ritcher in 1979. In parallel to his football career, Thuney excelled academically, graduating cum laude in three years and being a finalist for the prestigious Campbell Trophy.

Securing his spot in the 2016 NFL draft, Thuney was picked up by the New England Patriots as the overall 78th selection, just 13 picks preceding his university teammate, Jacoby Brissett. His initial season positioned him as the starting left guard, a placement he maintained through all 16 regular games. The highlight of his rookie year came when Thuney emerged victorious alongside the Patriots in Super Bowl LI, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in a thrilling match determined in overtime with an end score of 34-28.

Despite a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the subsequent Super Bowl, Thuney’s commendable performance earned him a position on the Professional Football Writer’s Association (PFWA) 2016 All-Rookie Team as guard. Thuney managed to break records in his first three seasons, first by starting all 16 games in 2018 and later, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, becoming the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

The Patriots placed a franchise tag on Thuney in 2020, solidifying his place within the team. When the team’s center, David Andrews, ended on the injured list, Thuney was asked to fill in, showing his adaptability and comprehensive skill set on the field.

In March 2021, Thuney transitioned from New England to Kansas, signing an $80 million five-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he continued his successful career as a left guard. His Chiefs’ journey was marked by a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LVII, securing his third Super Bowl championship. Thuney achieved a career highlight the following year when he was named first-team All-Pro for his performance in 2023.

Unfortunately, Thuney was sidelined with a pectoral injury in the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, but the Chiefs emerged victorious against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, earning Thuney his fourth Super Bowl championship.

Despite an injury in July 2024 placing him under the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Thuney’s professional football journey is far from over. His vigor and determination, paired with his unmatched skills on the field, look forward to many more triumphs in his long and successful career.