Jeff Bostic

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Bostic was a central figure in one of the most dominant offensive lines in NFL history, known as 'The Hogs.' This unit included guards Russ Grimm and Mark May, and tackles Joe Jacoby and George Starke. In his second year (1981), he replaced Bob Kuziel as the starting center, playing all 16 games and holding the position until 1993, despite missing significant time due to injuries in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1992. During the strike-shortened 1982 season, the line started every game in an 8-1 regular season run that led to Super Bowl XVII. That championship game saw Bostic and the interior line overpower nose tackle Bob Baumhower and linebackers A.J. Duhe and Earnie Rhone. The offensive line remained potent through the 1983 season, where Washington finished 14-2 and scored a league-leading 541 points. Although they lost Super Bowl XVIII to the Los Angeles Raiders that year, Bostic returned in the strike-ridden 1987 season. Starting only five regular-season games due to replacement players, he started every playoff game alongside Raleigh McKenzie and R.C. Thielemann at guard. This unit demolished the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos en route to Super Bowl XXII, where they effectively neutralized the Raiders' defense with a counter trey misdirection that generated 280 rushing yards.

In Their Own Story

The 1991 season marked Bostic's final full campaign as a starter. Playing all 16 games, he helped Washington finish 14-2 and lead the NFL with 485 points. The offensive line, now featuring Mark Schlereth at guard alongside McKenzie and tackles Jim Lachey and Joe Jacoby, guided the team through the 1991–92 playoffs. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons (162 rushing yards), Detroit Lions (117 rushing yards), and Buffalo Bills (125 rushing yards) to capture Super Bowl XXVI. This victory was Bostic's third championship and his last playoff appearance as a starter. The following year, injuries limited him to just four games in the regular season, forcing Raleigh McKenzie to replace him in the 1992–93 playoffs. In his final season (1993), Bostic appeared in only 10 games before John Gesek took over as the starting center in 1994.

Reader's Guide

Jeffrey Lynn Bostic was a cornerstone of the Washington franchise's offensive success throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Playing exclusively at center, he was instrumental in three Super Bowl victories (XVII, XXII, and XXVI). His career was defined by his durability and ability to lead 'The Hogs,' even when forced to adapt around injuries to key teammates like Russ Grimm or Mark May. In 1983 alone, his line helped the team score 33.8 points per game. Bostic's legacy extends beyond his playing days; he was named one of the 70 greatest players in Redskins history and inducted into the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame on October 25, 2015. Off the field, he worked as an analyst and sideline reporter for the NFL on Westwood One. His journey began at Ben L. Smith High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, followed by a standout college career at Clemson where he was named to the All-Centennial Team in 1996 and placed in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

Did You Know?

• Bostic is the only former Clemson Tiger to win three Super Bowls.
• He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1983, his sole selection during his career.
• In the strike-shortened 1982 season, he started all nine regular-season games.
• Bostic was inducted into the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame on October 25, 2015.
• He is the younger brother of former St. Louis Cardinals guard Joe Bostic.