Bosworth played college football at the University of Oklahoma from 1984 to 1986. He was a standout linebacker, winning the Dick Butkus Award as the nation's top college linebacker in both 1985 and 1986, making him the only player to win the award more than once. His college career was marked by his aggressive playing style and outspoken nature, which often drew media attention. However, he faced controversy when he was suspended from the 1986 Orange Bowl for testing positive for steroids, a claim he attributed to a doctor's prescription for injuries.

Bosworth was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 1987 NFL Supplemental Draft. He signed what was then the largest rookie contract in NFL history, worth $11 million over 10 years. Unfortunately, his professional career was cut short due to a chronic shoulder injury, leading him to retire after just three seasons in the league.

After retiring from football, Bosworth transitioned to acting. He made his film debut in "Stone Cold" (1991), where he played an undercover cop. He continued to appear in various action films throughout the 1990s, including "One Tough Bastard" (1996) and "The Longest Yard" (2005).

Bosworth has been married twice; he married his high school girlfriend, Katherine Nicastro, in 1993, and they had three children before divorcing in 2006. He later married Morgan Leslie Heuman in 2012. Beyond his entertainment career, Bosworth has also worked as a real estate agent in Malibu, California.

Brian Bosworth remains a notable figure in both sports and entertainment, known for his flamboyant personality and contributions to college football. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in college football history.