Joel Bitonio

Joel Bitonio's Biography

Joel Michael Bitonio, born on October 11, 1991, is a phenomenal sportsman best known for his professional football career in the National Football League (NFL) where he has remarkably served as the guard for the Cleveland Browns. His journey in life and football has been a fascinating one, from his high school days to his college years, and finally, making it into the NFL.

Bitonio’s athletic journey began in beautiful Long Beach, California, where he attended Long Beach Wilson High School. More than merely a participant in the school’s athletic program, Joel shone as a three-sport star. Football, undeniably, was his primary field, but his incredible prowess led him to excel even in basketball and track & field. In football, particularly, his skills were nothing less than extraordinary. He earned the distinction of being a two-time All-league player and was rewarded with the title of Moore League Lineman of the Year.

Not just locally, his sports mastery also extended to the state level. Joel received recognition as a first-team All-conference selection and MaxPreps.com second-team All-state. His basketball achievement, equally impressive, won him a spot in Press Telegram’s Dream Team. Venturing into track & field in his senior year, Bitonio didn’t fail to leave his mark. He dominated the league in the shot put, recording an outstanding top-throw of 15.39 meters at the 2009 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Prelims.

Post high school, Bitonio attended the University of Nevada from 2009 to 2013, playing college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack. He displayed exceptional consistency, conducting 39 consecutive starts from his redshirt sophomore to senior seasons. His senior season performance was acknowledged by an All-Mountain West Conference selection.

The 2014 NFL Draft was particularly significant for Bitonio, as it marked the commencement of his professional football journey. He was viewed as one of the top offensive tackle prospects and was subsequently drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Cleveland Browns. The accolades continued for him as he made it to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

The subsequent years, though presenting some health-related challenges, never impeded Bitonio’s football career. Suffering injuries in December 2015 and October 2016 that required him to be placed on injured reserve, Joel bounced back each time with more grit and determination.

Bitonio’s unwavering commitment to the Browns and the game earned him a five-year contract extension with the Browns on March 9, 2017, which was set to run through the 2022 season. Playing all 16 games at left guard that year, Bitonio was named to his first Pro Bowl and was recognized as second-team All-Pro.

Through dedication and hard work, Bitonio continued to accrue honors and distinctions in the following years. In 2020, he achieved a significant milestone by being named to the All-Pro Team, an honor he shared with three other teammates from the Browns. However, the onset of the global pandemic the next year brought an unexpected turn. Bitonio was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on January 5, 2021, but was activated again ten days later.

As of November 10, 2021, Bitonio signed yet another contract extension – a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication. This three-year, $48 million agreement was set to take him through the 2025 season.

Bitonio’s blooming sports career presents a stark contrast to the tragedy that marred his personal life. His father, Mike Bitonio, a mixed martial artist himself, passed away too young, at the age of 45 in 2010. Yet, Joel’s perseverance and resilience towards life and sports serve as an inspiring example to aspiring football players, his fans, and indeed, to everyone taken by his extraordinary life journey. His illustrious career validates that with passion, determination, and an unyielding spirit, one can overcome adversity and achieve greatness.