45 Facts About Joe Thuney

Early Life and Education

Joe Thuney's journey to NFL stardom began in Centerville, Ohio. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Birth and Early Life: Joe Thuney was born on November 18, 1992, in Centerville, Ohio. He grew up with his parents, Mike and Beth Thuney, and three siblings: Monica, Eric, and Megan.

2. Education: Thuney attended Incarnation Catholic School before moving to Archbishop Alter High School. Here, he was part of two D4 state championship teams and was named the Greater Catholic League Lineman of the Year. He also served as the president of his senior class.

College Career at NC State

Thuney's college years at NC State were marked by versatility and academic excellence.

3. College Career: Thuney played college football for the NC State Wolfpack. Initially, he played sparingly as a freshman but soon became a key player.

4. Position Shifts: By his redshirt sophomore year, Thuney was projected to start as the center. However, he began the season at right tackle, then shifted to right guard and left tackle.

5. All-American Honors: Thuney became the first offensive lineman for NC State to be named an All-American since Jim Ritcher in 1979.

6. Campbell Trophy Finalist: He was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, recognizing the best combination of academics, community service, and performance on the field.

7. Graduation: Thuney graduated cum laude from NC State in just three years, showcasing his dedication to both academics and athletics.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Thuney's entry into the NFL marked the beginning of an illustrious career.

8. NFL Draft: Thuney was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round (78th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.

9. First Season with Patriots: In his rookie season, Thuney won the starting left guard spot and remained the starter for all 16 regular-season games.

10. Super Bowl LI: Thuney played every snap in Super Bowl LI, helping the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime.

11. All-Rookie Team: The Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) named Thuney to its 2016 All-Rookie Team at guard.

Consistency and Success with the Patriots

Thuney's time with the Patriots was marked by consistency and multiple Super Bowl appearances.

12. Consistency with Patriots: Over the next three seasons, Thuney started every game for the Patriots.

13. Super Bowl Appearances: Thuney became the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

14. Super Bowl LIII: In Super Bowl LIII, Thuney helped the Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

15. Franchise Tag: In 2020, the Patriots placed the franchise tag on Thuney, which he signed on March 20, 2020.

16. Center Position: During the 2020 season, Thuney played center for the Patriots' Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Move to Kansas City Chiefs

Thuney's move to the Kansas City Chiefs marked a new chapter in his career.

17. Move to Kansas City Chiefs: On March 18, 2021, Thuney signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

18. First Season with Chiefs: Thuney continued to play left guard in his first season with the Chiefs.

19. Super Bowl LVII: Thuney's performance in Super Bowl LVII was crucial, helping the Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.

20. First-Team All-Pro: In 2023, Thuney was named First-team All-Pro, recognizing his outstanding performance as a guard for the Chiefs.

Injuries and Resilience

Despite injuries, Thuney's resilience has been a hallmark of his career.

21. Pectoral Injury: During the 2023 Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, Thuney suffered a pectoral injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the playoffs.

22. Super Bowl LVIII: Despite his injury, the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII 25-22 against the San Francisco 49ers, giving Thuney his fourth Super Bowl championship.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Thuney's career statistics and achievements highlight his impact on the field.

23. Career Statistics: As of 2024, Thuney has played 121 games in his NFL career, with no fumbles lost and zero touchdowns.

24. Regular Season Performance: Thuney has consistently played every snap in regular-season games, showcasing his durability and reliability.

25. Penalty-Free Seasons: Thuney has had seasons where he committed no penalties. In 2019, he played 16 games without any holding or false start penalties.

Community Service and Personal Life

Beyond the field, Thuney is known for his community service and dedication to family.

26. Community Service: Thuney is involved in various charitable activities, including supporting local youth football programs and participating in fundraising events for children's hospitals.

27. Personal Life: Thuney is married and has two children. He keeps his personal life private but often speaks about the importance of family and community.

28. Wonderlic Test: During his college days, Thuney took the Wonderlic Personnel Test. He reportedly avoided answering many questions to avoid coming off as too smart.

Leadership and Recognition

Thuney's leadership and recognition extend beyond his on-field performance.

29. Leadership Roles: At Archbishop Alter High School, Thuney was the president of his senior class, a role that has influenced his approach to the game and his interactions with teammates.

30. High School Achievements: Thuney was a member of two D4 state championship teams and was named the Greater Catholic League Lineman of the Year.

31. NFL Network Recognition: NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport has frequently discussed Thuney's career, highlighting his importance to the Chiefs' offense.

32. Injury Concerns: In 2023, Thuney suffered a pectoral strain that may require surgery, raising concerns about his availability for future games.

33. Chiefs' New-Look OL: The Kansas City Chiefs' new-look offensive line, featuring Thuney, has been a topic of discussion among NFL analysts.

Awards and Honors

Thuney's career is decorated with numerous awards and honors.

34. Pro Bowl Selection: Following the 2022 season, Thuney was selected to the Pro Bowl.

35. AP All-Pro Honors: Thuney has been named an AP All-Pro twice, first in 2019 as a second-team selection and again in 2022.

36. Ed Block Courage Award: In 2021, Thuney received the Ed Block Courage Award.

37. PFWA All-Rookie Team: Thuney was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016.

38. New England Patriots All-Decade Team: Thuney was included on the New England Patriots' All-Decade Team for the 2010s.

Career Milestones and Contributions

Thuney's career milestones and contributions have cemented his legacy in the NFL.

39. Career Milestones: Thuney has achieved several career milestones, including becoming the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

40. Regular Season Snap Counts: Thuney has consistently played a high number of snaps in regular-season games.

41. Defensive Contributions: While primarily an offensive lineman, Thuney has also made defensive contributions, accumulating four solo tackles and four assists.

42. Fumble Statistics: Thuney has been fortunate in terms of fumbles, with no fumbles lost in his career.

43. Super Bowl Rings: Thuney has won four Super Bowl rings, three with the Patriots and one with the Chiefs.

44. Contract Value: Thuney's five-year contract with the Chiefs is worth $80 million, making him one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL.

45. Leadership Role: Thuney has taken on a leadership role within the Chiefs' locker room, respected by teammates and coaches alike.

Joe Thuney: A Legacy of Excellence

Joe Thuney's journey from Centerville, Ohio, to NFL stardom is nothing short of remarkable. His versatility, durability, and leadership have made him a standout player for both the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs. Thuney's achievements, including four Super Bowl rings, multiple All-Pro selections, and a Pro Bowl nod, highlight his impact on the field. Off the field, his commitment to community service and academic excellence further solidifies his legacy. Thuney's ability to adapt and excel in various positions, coupled with his consistent performance, sets him apart as one of the greatest guards in NFL history. As he continues to play at an elite level, Thuney's influence will undoubtedly inspire future generations of football players and fans. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of life.