Joshua Uche has established himself as a dynamic linebacker in the NFL, known for his speed, versatility, and pass-rushing skills. Born on September 18, 1998, in Miami, Florida, he has risen from a promising high school athlete to a key defensive player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
This article explores his career journey, personal life, financial details, and achievements.
Joshua Uche’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Joshua Ikechukwu Uche |
| Nickname | Josh |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1998 |
| Age | 26 (as of February 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| College | University of Michigan |
| Turned Pro | 2020 NFL Draft (Round 2, Pick 60) |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Net Worth | Approximately $9 million |
| Salary | $3 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @joshua_uche |
Early Career
Joshua Uche’s football journey began at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, where he quickly established himself as a standout defensive player. During his senior year, he recorded 50 tackles and 14 sacks, showcasing his ability to dominate on the field.
His impressive performance earned him recognition as a three-star recruit, and he received offers from several colleges. Uche ultimately chose to play for the University of Michigan, where he joined one of the most competitive college football programs in the country.
At Michigan, Uche faced challenges early on as injuries limited his playing time during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Despite these setbacks, he remained determined to prove his worth. By his junior year in 2018, Uche began to emerge as a key contributor on defense, recording eight tackles for loss and leading the team with seven sacks.
His senior season in 2019 solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the Big Ten Conference. He posted 34 tackles, including 8.5 sacks, and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. Known for his speed and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Uche entered the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the most promising pass-rushing prospects in college football.
Professional Career
Joshua Uche began his professional career when he was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft as the 60th overall pick. His rookie season was challenging, as injuries placed him on injured reserve twice, limiting him to nine games.
Despite these setbacks, Uche made an immediate impact, recording his first career sack against Lamar Jackson in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. Over the next few seasons, Uche steadily developed into a key rotational player for the Patriots’ defense.
The 2022 season marked a turning point in Uche’s career. He delivered a breakout performance, finishing with 11.5 sacks, 27 tackles, and two forced fumbles in 15 games. His ability to pressure quarterbacks earned him recognition as one of the league’s emerging pass rushers, including an AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his standout performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
In March 2024, Uche re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year contract worth $3 million. However, midway through the season, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a future sixth-round draft pick. As of 2025, Uche continues to play for the Chiefs, contributing his speed and versatility to their defensive lineup.
Joshua Uche’s Net Worth Details
Joshua Uche’s net worth is estimated to be $9 million as of 2025.
Contract
Joshua Uche’s most recent contract was a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, signed in March 2024, valued at $3 million. This contract included a $1 million signing bonus and $2.3 million in guaranteed money. The agreement also featured performance-based incentives that could increase its total value to $8 million.
Uche’s base salary for the 2024 season was set at $722,220, with a cap hit of $1,022,220 and a dead cap value of $722,220. Additionally, the contract provided per-game active bonuses of $30,000, totaling up to $510,000 for the season, along with playing time and sack-based incentives.
These included payouts of up to $500,000 each for achieving specific snap percentages and sack totals. Despite this lucrative deal, Uche was traded mid-season to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As of 2025, Uche is a free agent (UFA), leaving his future team and contract negotiations open for the upcoming offseason.
Salary
In 2024, Joshua Uche earned a base salary of $722,220 under his one-year contract with the New England Patriots, which had a total value of $3 million. The deal also included a $1 million signing bonus and $2.3 million in guaranteed money.
Uche’s contract featured additional incentives, such as a per-game active bonus of $30,000, which could total up to $510,000 for the season. His cap hit for 2024 was $1,022,220, with a dead cap value of $722,220. These earnings reflect his growing value as a versatile linebacker in the NFL.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
| 2020 | New England Patriots | $1,347,334 |
| 2021 | New England Patriots | $1,347,334 |
| 2022 | New England Patriots | $1,347,334 |
| 2023 | New England Patriots | $1,347,334 |
| 2024 | Patriots/Chiefs | $3,000,000 |
| Total | $8,425,217 |
Career Stats
| Season | Games Played (GP) | Tackles (TOT) | Sacks (SACK) | Forced Fumbles (FF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| 2022 | 15 | 27 | 11.5 | 2 |
| 2023 | 15 | 15 | 3 | 0 |
| Career Total | 64 | 86 | 20.5 | 2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Joshua Uche?
Joshua Uche is a professional football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. Born on September 18, 1998, in Miami, Florida, he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Michigan.
2. What are Joshua Uche’s career achievements?
Uche had a breakout season in 2022 with 11.5 sacks and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 14. Over his career, he has recorded 20.5 sacks, 86 tackles, and two forced fumbles in 64 games as of February 2025.
3. What is Joshua Uche’s playing style?
Uche is known as a smaller speed rusher with excellent pass-rushing skills. However, he struggles against the run and is not considered a three-down player. His role often involves situational pass-rushing rather than consistent defensive snaps.
4. What is Joshua Uche’s height, weight, and physical profile?
Uche stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) and weighs 240 pounds (109 kg). At the NFL Combine, he recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and demonstrated strong athleticism with an emphasis on speed.
5. What was Joshua Uche’s college football career like?
At the University of Michigan, Uche played in 39 games and recorded 56 tackles and 16.5 sacks. He had a standout senior season in 2019 with 34 tackles and 8.5 sacks, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors before declaring for the NFL Draft.
6. What teams has Joshua Uche played for in the NFL?
Uche was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2020 and played with them until October 2024 when he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
7. How much does Joshua Uche earn?
In March 2024, Uche signed a one-year contract extension worth $3 million with $2.3 million guaranteed. His total career earnings as of February 2025 are approximately $8.42 million.
8. What are some notable moments from Joshua Uche’s NFL career?
One of Uche’s most notable moments came during his rookie season when he recorded his first sack against Lamar Jackson in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 14 of the 2022 season, he had three sacks and five tackles against the Arizona Cardinals.
9. Why did the Patriots trade Joshua Uche to the Chiefs?
The Patriots traded Uche to the Chiefs in October 2024 for a sixth-round pick due to his declining sack numbers and limited role on defense. The move gave Kansas City an experienced pass rusher at a low cost.
10. Where did Joshua Uche grow up, and what is his background?
Uche grew up in Miami, Florida, as the son of Nigerian immigrants. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, where he excelled in football, helping his team reach state championships before committing to play at Michigan.
