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Jeff Bostic

Jeff Bostic (born September 18, 1958) is a former center who played his entire 14-year (NFL) career with the Washington Redskins, appearing in 184 games and winning three championships as a key member of the team's renowned "Hogs" offensive line. Born in , Bostic attended , where he started at center for the Tigers from 1977 to 1979, earning All- honors in 1978 and 1979 during a period of resurgence that included an ACC championship and a No. 6 national ranking in 1978. Undrafted in the , he signed with the Redskins as a and quickly became a starter, anchoring the interior line for Joe and later others. Bostic's professional highlights include selection to the following the 1983 season, when he earned first-team recognition from and the , and his contributions to the Redskins' victories in 1983 (XVII), 1988 (XXII), and 1992 (XXVI). Over his career, he started 149 regular-season games and all 18 postseason contests, recovering nine fumbles. Retiring after the 1993 season, Bostic has remained connected to Clemson, frequently visiting campus—where his daughter is an alumna—and supporting athletics, including efforts to bring former Redskins coach for university events.

Early Life and Education

Early Life

Jeffrey Lynn Bostic was born on September 18, 1958, in . He grew up in a supportive family environment, with his parents, Joe Sr. and Sharon Bostic, playing key roles in his development. His father, Joe Sr., was particularly involved, often attending games and providing emotional encouragement during challenging times. Bostic was heavily influenced by his older brother, Joe Bostic Jr., a fellow standout who preceded him in high school and college athletics, fostering a competitive sibling dynamic that sparked his early passion for the sport. Bostic's initial exposure to football came during his high school years at Ben L. Smith High School in Greensboro, where he emerged as a standout offensive and three-sport , also competing in and wrestling. He demonstrated versatility by playing linebacker in the East-West All-Star Game, recording 21 tackles and catching the attention of recruiters. These performances highlighted his athletic potential and toughness, though specific local awards from his career are not widely documented beyond his recognition as a top local talent. Encouraged by his family's support and his brother's success, Bostic decided to pursue at the collegiate level after initially planning to attend . This path led him to enroll at in 1976 on a , marking the transition from his formative high school experiences to higher-level competition.

College Career

Jeff Bostic enrolled at in 1976 and played for the Tigers team through the 1979 season, graduating with a degree in 1980. During his time there, he competed as an offensive lineman, primarily at but also at , earning a starting role for three consecutive years. As a key member of Clemson's offensive line, Bostic anchored the unit that supported a potent rushing attack, contributing to the team's success in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Bostic's on-field contributions were particularly notable during the 1978 and 1979 seasons, when he earned All- honors both years. In 1978, he helped Clemson secure its first ACC championship since 1967, part of a strong 19-4-1 combined record over 1977 and 1978 that included appearances in the twice. The 1979 campaign featured a memorable upset victory over in South Bend and a berth in the , with Bostic's steady presence at the center of the line enabling effective protection and run blocking for the Tigers' offense. Bostic's collegiate performance led to his induction into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing his foundational role in revitalizing Clemson's program. Scouting evaluations from his era highlighted his toughness, quickness in pass protection, and leadership qualities as a , despite his undersized frame for the position, which positioned him as a resilient prospect ready for professional challenges.

NFL Career

Entry and Early Years

Following his college career at Clemson University, where he played as a center, Jeff Bostic transitioned to the professional level as an undrafted free agent signed by the Washington Redskins in 1980. In his rookie season of 1980, Bostic focused on adapting to the speed and physicality of the NFL while serving primarily as a backup on the offensive line, appearing in all 16 games but not starting any. This period allowed him to learn the professional schemes under head coach Jack Pardee, though he initially contributed in rotational roles and special teams duties. Bostic's early role emphasized building cohesion within the emerging offensive line unit, particularly alongside future Hall of Famer , who joined as a third-round draft pick in and shifted to , fostering a strong partnership that bolstered the line's interior protection. Their chemistry developed through shared practice repetitions and film study, laying the groundwork for the group's later dominance. The arrival of offensive line coach in marked a pivotal point in Bostic's development, as Bugel's emphasis on technique, toughness, and run-blocking fundamentals helped refine his skills amid the transition to new ' system. Under Bugel's guidance, Bostic emerged as the full-time starting that year, anchoring the line for all 16 games and contributing to a more balanced offensive attack.

Championships and Peak Performance

Jeff Bostic's tenure with the Washington Redskins reached its zenith in the 1980s, marked by his integral role in the team's offensive line unit known as "The Hogs," which offensive line coach formed during the 1982 training camp to foster camaraderie among the blockers, including Bostic at center alongside guards and , and tackles and . This group became renowned for their physical dominance and run-blocking prowess, powering to three victories and establishing Bostic as a cornerstone of the franchise's success. Bostic's first championship came in Super Bowl XVII following the 1982 season, where he started at center in the Redskins' 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins on January 30, 1983, at the Rose Bowl. As part of The Hogs, Bostic helped anchor a line that set a Super Bowl record with 276 rushing yards, enabling running back John Riggins to gain 166 yards on 38 carries, including the game-winning 43-yard touchdown run that showcased the unit's ability to control the line of scrimmage against Miami's defense. The culmination of the 1982 NFC Championship run highlighted Bostic's peak form; in the Redskins' 31-17 divisional playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys on January 22, 1983, he snapped for repeated "50 gut" runs up the middle, executing the same play nine times in a row during a crucial drive that fueled 140 rushing yards and a commanding second-half lead. In the strike-shortened 1987 season, Bostic started five of the Redskins' 12 games despite a midseason injury that sidelined him for several weeks, yet he returned to start at center in Super Bowl XXII, contributing to a 42-10 rout of the Denver Broncos on January 31, 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium. The Hogs, with Bostic snapping for quarterback Doug Williams, facilitated a balanced attack that amassed 300 total offensive plays, including 90 rushing attempts for 281 yards, while protecting Williams for two passing touchdowns in the first quarter that set the tone for the blowout. His resilience amid the NFL players' strike—during which replacement players filled three games—underscored his leadership, as the line's cohesion propelled Washington through the playoffs undefeated after the labor dispute ended. Bostic capped his championship era with a start in , ' 37-24 win over the on January 26, 1992, at the , where The Hogs again excelled in run support, paving the way for 141 rushing yards on 40 carries and limiting Buffalo to just one . His individual peak aligned with the season, when he earned his sole selection after starting all 16 games, allowing minimal pressures while enabling a top-ranked rushing offense that averaged over 140 yards per game. Throughout this period, Bostic's consistency peaked with 16 starts in full seasons like , reflecting his durability and pivotal snaps in high-stakes contests that defined ' dynasty.

Later Years and Retirement

As Bostic entered the final phase of his career from 1990 to 1993, he remained a reliable starter on the Washington Redskins' offensive line despite increasing physical tolls. In 1990 and 1991, he started all 16 games each season, contributing to the team's strong ground game and pass protection. However, injuries began to impact his availability; in 1992, a torn in his right shoulder sidelined him for most of the year after just four starts, forcing him to the . Bostic rebounded in 1993 at age 35, starting 10 of 16 games while dealing with ongoing , , and issues that limited his mobility. During the 1991 season, Bostic played a pivotal role as a veteran leader on the offensive line, anchoring the unit that powered to a 14-2 record and their third victory in against the . As one of the last remaining original members of the "Hogs" offensive line group, his experience helped stabilize the interior line amid younger players, enabling a dominant performance that included 141 rushing yards on 40 carries in the championship game. This triumph marked his third and highlighted his enduring value as a mentor and performer in high-stakes situations. Bostic announced his retirement on March 10, 1994, following the 1993 season, citing cumulative injuries—particularly multiple surgeries and the aforementioned and nerve problems—that doctors advised against continuing to play. Over his 14-year career, he appeared in 184 games with 149 starts, earning an approximate value of 90 according to Pro Football Reference metrics. In his later years (1990-1993), he committed just two fumbles and drew no penalties, reflecting his disciplined technique even as physical decline set in.

Personal Life

Family

Jeff Bostic has been married to Lynn Bostic since the early 1980s. The couple has three daughters: Ashley, Amanda, and Alicia. The family relocated from their Greensboro, North Carolina origins to the Washington, D.C. area upon Bostic's entry into the NFL with the Redskins in 1980, where they established roots during his tenure. Bostic's older brother, Joe Bostic, shared a similar path in professional football, playing as an offensive guard for the from 1981 to 1989 and appearing in 132 games over nine seasons. The brothers, who both attended after growing up together in Greensboro, maintained a close family bond, occasionally highlighted through joint appearances and shared football heritage. Throughout Bostic's championship years, his family provided steadfast support, with Lynn occasionally stepping into his professional orbit by guest-hosting Redskins radio broadcasts, offering an insider's perspective on team dynamics. Post-retirement, the Bostics and their daughters have continued to embrace family traditions tied to football, as evidenced by the daughters joining their father on the field for pre-game moments in 2014.

Interests and Community Involvement

Following his retirement from the NFL in 1993, Jeff Bostic initially settled in northern Virginia but later relocated to , where he has maintained a lifestyle centered on sports and activities. A notable interest of Bostic's is , which he has pursued as an competitor and organizer of charitable events. He has participated in regional tournaments, such as placing third in the 2011 Virginia State Golf Association Senior Open with a score of 67 in the opening round. Bostic co-founded the /LexisNexis Celebrity Golf Tournament in 1994 to benefit Special Love, a nonprofit providing experiences for children with cancer and their families; the event, held annually at Raspberry Falls Golf Club in , had raised over $1.5 million by 2018. Bostic remains engaged in community activities through Redskins alumni events, including reunions with members of the "Hogs" offensive line, where he has shared stories from his playing days and supported team legacy initiatives. He has also contributed to youth development by headlining clinics for Kids & Pros, a nonprofit offering year-round camps and safety training that has served over 63,000 young athletes since 2002. His charitable efforts extend to other Washington-area causes, such as appearing as a celebrity guest at the 2019 Veterans Next Mission Tournament to support transitioning military personnel. Bostic and his wife have donated to Youth For Tomorrow, a shelter and education program for at-risk youth, as recognized in the organization's 2020 annual report. Additionally, he participated in the inaugural Sack Cancer Gala in 2014, an event raising funds for research and services. Bostic has expressed appreciation for the balance his career allowed, noting in a 2014 Clemson interview that family support enabled him to visit the university regularly—where his daughter later studied—and maintain ties to his alma mater through game attendance and alumni engagement.

Post-Football Career and Legacy

Broadcasting

Following his retirement from the NFL in 1993, Jeff Bostic transitioned into broadcasting with initial roles in local radio in the Washington, D.C., area. In 1996, he co-hosted the postgame show for Washington Redskins games on WJFK (106.7 FM), where he fielded listener calls alongside Rich "The Coach" Gilgallon during the two-hour program following each matchup. Bostic expanded his media presence in the early 2000s as a color commentator for Washington Redskins preseason and select regular-season games, contributing analysis alongside play-by-play announcers such as Mike Patrick and Frank Herzog in 2004 and 2005. His primary broadcasting role came with the Westwood One Radio Network, where he served as an analyst and sideline reporter for NFL games over multiple seasons. Notable assignments included providing sideline reporting for the 2004 New York Jets-San Diego Chargers contest alongside play-by-play voice Dave Sims. Bostic's contributions drew on his firsthand knowledge from 14 seasons as a center for the Redskins, offering grounded perspectives on offensive strategies during coverage of key games, including those involving his former team. This work marked a sustained presence in national NFL radio through the mid-2000s, building on his local foundations for a career spanning nearly two decades in sports media.

Honors and Recognition

During his NFL career with the Washington Redskins (now ), Jeff Bostic earned a selection in 1983 as recognition for his performance at . He also secured three championships, contributing to victories in (1983), (1988), and (1992). In 2002, Bostic was honored as one of the 70 Greatest players during the franchise's 70th anniversary celebration. He was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2015, acknowledging his role as an original member of the team's famed "Hogs" offensive line unit. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. At the college level, Bostic received first-team All-ACC honors in both 1978 and 1979 while playing for . He was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. Bostic joined the Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its 1999 class. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2021. In 2023, he was selected for the Football Legends Class, highlighting his impact on conference football. Bostic's contributions to the Commanders' history include playing in 184 regular-season games, one of the highest totals in records, and starting in 18 playoff contests across four Super Bowls. His "Hogs" legacy endures as a cornerstone of the team's dynasty, with ongoing tributes in narratives.

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