Paul Posluszny

Posluszny was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. He is of Polish descent (his surname in Polish means 'obedient').{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2007 |title=Bills |url=http://wkse.radiotown.com/20070907_bills.mp3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228053727/http://wkse.radiotown.com/20070907_bills.mp3 |archive-date=February 28, 2008 |access-date=February 3, 2008 |website=WKSE}} He was a star halfback and linebacker at Hopewell High School in Hopewell Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. In 2002, his senior year, he helped lead the Vikings to the WPIAL championship with an 8–1 record, followed by the AAA State Championship.{{Cite web |title=e-PA Sports |url=http://epasports.com/Games.asp?Sport=Football&Year=2002&Location=All&Team=Hopewell&Class=AAA&Mascot=Vikings |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710194421/http://epasports.com/Games.asp?Sport=Football&Year=2002&Location=All&Team=Hopewell&Class=AAA&Mascot=Vikings |archive-date=July 10, 2011 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=e-PA Sports}}

Posluszny played football at Penn State University from 2003 to 2006.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014162341/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1.html |url-status=live }} He debuted in the fifth game of his 2003 freshman season, and in the last game of the season made his first career start at Michigan State. During the season, he recorded 36 tackles, an interception (which he returned for a touchdown against Indiana), a fumble recovery, and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team by The Sporting News.

In 2004, he was named as a second-team All-Big Ten player as well as earning academic All-Big Ten honors. Prior to that season he changed to jersey No. 31, in honor of former Penn State players who had worn the number including All-Americans Shane Conlan and Andre Collins. He started in all 11 games and led his team with 104 tackles, and his 9.5 tackles per game average put him in a tie for fifth in the Big Ten. He also recorded 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, helping Penn State reach the national top 10 in scoring and total defense. In fact, the defense did not allow an opponent to reach over 21 points in a game all season. He also caught an interception, broke up three passes and forced a fumble on the season. He won the Big Ten Defensive Player-of-the-Week for his performance against Indiana, making 13 tackles and playing a key role in Penn State's goal-line stand to ensure the win.

In 2005, Posluszny became the first junior captain for Penn State since Mike Reid and Steve Smear in 1968. He posted 116 tackles on the season, 14 for loss, and 4 sacks, including a 22-tackle game against Northwestern.{{Cite web |title=Penn State at Northwestern Box Score, September 24, 2005 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2005-09-24-northwestern.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311043032/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2005-09-24-northwestern.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1/gamelog/2005 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627043015/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1/gamelog/2005 |url-status=live }} He was named Big Ten Defensive Player-of-the-Week a record-breaking three consecutive times. He then joined LaVar Arrington as the second Penn State player to win both the Chuck Bednarik and Dick Butkus Awards as the College Defensive Player and Linebacker of the Year respectively, and was named as a member of the 2005 All-America Team.{{Cite web |title=Chuck Bednarik Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/bednarik.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317002307/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/bednarik.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Dick Butkus Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/butkus.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225224937/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/butkus.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Consensus All-America Teams (2000-2009) |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html#2005 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104357/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html#2005 |url-status=live }} He helped lead the Penn State Nittany Lions to a win in the 2006 Orange Bowl against Florida State but left the game in the fourth quarter after partially tearing two ligaments in his knee; the injury did not require surgery.{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2006 |title=Penn State LB Posluszny won't need knee surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls05/news/story?id=2282895 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918015603/https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls05/news/story?id=2282895 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl - Penn State vs Florida State Box Score, January 3, 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-01-03-florida-state.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208204437/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-01-03-florida-state.html |url-status=live }} He subsequently announced that he planned to return to Penn State for his senior year of college, rather than declare himself eligible for the 2006 NFL draft, a decision which, a year later, was considered "a boon," with Posluszny completing the 2006 season with 116 tackles and a school-high career total 372 tackles.{{Cite web |last=Pedulla |first=Tom |date=January 26, 2007 |title=Waiting year pays off for Posluszny |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/2007-01-25-posluszny-seniorbowl_x.htm |access-date=January 26, 2007 |website=USA Today |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604113319/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/2007-01-25-posluszny-seniorbowl_x.htm |url-status=live }}

In 2006, he continued captaincy, along with Levi Brown. Jack Ham, former All-American Linebacker at Penn State, said that Posluszny was the greatest linebacker to ever play at Penn State.{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Ron |date=November 8, 2005 |title=Cook: Posluszny PSU's best LB according to Ham |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05312/602421.stm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604113316/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05312/602421.stm |url-status=live }} On November 4, 2006, he broke Greg Buttle's school record for tackles.{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2018 |title=Penn State football: Nittany Lions' top-10 all-time linebackers |url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article214632285.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Centre Daily |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019161802/https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article214632285.html |url-status=live }} Posluszny had 372 career tackles, with 116 of them coming during that season, including 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1/gamelog/2006 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627043013/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1/gamelog/2006 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny College Gamelog |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1/gamelog/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616012927/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/paul-posluszny-1/gamelog/ |url-status=live }} (The Penn State tackle record was surpassed shortly after by fellow linebacker Dan Connor.) Posluszny won the 2006 Chuck Bednarik Award to become only the second person (after Pat Fitzgerald) to win the award two times. Posluszny was also named a member of the 2006 All-America Team, the first Penn State linebacker to be a two-time Associated Press All-American.{{Cite web |title=Consensus All-America Teams (2000-2009) |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html#2006 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104357/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html#2006 |url-status=live }}

Posluszny graduated a semester early in December 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in finance and a 3.57 GPA. He is a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American and was named 2006 Academic All-American of the Year. He was also a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is presented to the nations' top student-athlete.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2006 |title=Paterno and Posluszny To Be Honored at Tuesday’s National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Awards Dinner |url=http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=11394 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107121126/http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=11394 |archive-date=January 7, 2007 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=GoPSUsports.com}}

Posluszny was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.{{cite web | url=https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2538 | title=Paul Posluszny | publisher=footballfoundation.org | accessdate=May 17, 2024}}

Posluszny was graded high in the NFL Combine.{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2007 |title=Posluszny grades out high at recent NFL Combine |url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-2007-03-04-3712852-story.html |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=The Morning Call |language=en-US |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320190727/https://www.mcall.com/2007/03/04/posluszny-grades-out-high-at-recent-nfl-combine/ |url-status=live }}

{{NFL predraft

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| cone drill = 6.94

| vertical = 37

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| arm span = 33 3/4

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| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=12502&DraftYear=2007 |title=Paul Posluszny, Penn State, OLB, 2007 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930084311/http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=12502&DraftYear=2007 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=NFL Combine Results: Paul Posluszny |url=http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=7765 |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=nflcombineresults.com |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306082817/http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=7765 |url-status=live }}

}}

The Buffalo Bills selected Posluszny in the second round with the 34th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103015035/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/draft.htm |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Bills traded their second (43rd overall) and third round (74th overall) picks to move up nine spots and select Posluszny. The Lions went on to select Drew Stanton with their second round pick (43rd overall) and traded their third round pick (74th overall) to the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2007 |title=NFL draft trade tracker 2007 |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft07/news/story?id=2850327El |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306142335/http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft07/news/story?id=2850327El |url-status=live }} He was the fourth linebacker selected in 2007, after future Pro bowlers Patrick Willis, Lawrence Timmons, and Jon Beason.

On July 26, 2007, the Bills signed Posluszny to a four-year, $4.75 million contract that includes $2.55 million guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Gaughan |first=Mark |date=July 26, 2007 |title=Posluszny excited to join Bills' fold Linebacker signs four-year contract |url=http://buffalonews.com/2007/07/26/posluszny-excited-to-join-bills-fold-linebacker-signs-four-year-contract/ |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=Buffalo News |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083232/http://buffalonews.com/2007/07/26/posluszny-excited-to-join-bills-fold-linebacker-signs-four-year-contract/ |url-status=live }}

Throughout training camp, Posluszny competed against veteran John DiGiorgio for the job as the starting middle linebacker after it was left vacant by the departure of London Fletcher. Head coach Dick Jauron named Posluszny the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Buffalo Bills depth chart: 09/02/2007 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/BUF |access-date=March 5, 2008 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414003652/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/BUF |url-status=live }}

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Bills' season-opener against the Denver Broncos and recorded ten combined tackles (nine solo) in their 15–14 loss.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills - September 9th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709090buf.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005147/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709090buf.htm |url-status=live }} The following week, he recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (five solo) during a 26–3 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 16th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160pit.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102040656/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160pit.htm |url-status=live }} On September 23, 2007, Posluszny made four combined tackles before leaving in the third quarter after suffering a broken left forearm in their 38–7 loss at the New England Patriots.{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Bills' Posluszny excited to see field after lost rookie season |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8088c661/article/bills-posluszny-excited-to-see-field-after-lost-rookie-season |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070356/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8088c661/article/bills-posluszny-excited-to-see-field-after-lost-rookie-season |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He was placed on injured reserve, ending his rookie season. At the time of his injury, he was third in the league with 26 combined tackles, which was tied for the most tackles among rookies with Patrick Willis. He finished his rookie season with 26 combined tackles (17 solo) in three starts and three games.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2007/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708040105/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live }}

Posluszny returned as the starting middle linebacker in 2008, along with outside linebackers Angelo Crowell and Kawika Mitchell.{{Cite web |last=Dunne |first=Tyler |date=September 6, 2009 |title=Mulligan: Healthy Poz looks for fresh start |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/Article/Mulligan-Healthy-Poz-looks-for-fresh-start-104545338 |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=247sports.com |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825073906/https://247sports.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/Article/Mulligan-Healthy-Poz-looks-for-fresh-start-104545338 |url-status=live }} On December 7, 2008, Posluszny recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) in the Bills' 16–3 loss to the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - December 7th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200812070buf.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005084421/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200812070buf.htm |url-status=live }} The following week, Posluszny recorded five combined tackles, two pass break ups, and made his first career interception off of quarterback Brett Favre during the Bills' 31–27 loss at the New York Jets.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at New York Jets - December 14th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200812140nyj.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122010049/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200812140nyj.htm |url-status=live }} Posluszny finished the 2008 season with 110 combined tackles (87 solo), six pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2008/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708025952/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2008/ |url-status=live }} He was named the Bills' Defensive MVP.{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2009 |title=Poz voted Defensive MVP |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/poz-voted-defensive-mvp-368527 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Buffalo Bills |language=en-US |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004072552/https://www.buffalobills.com/news/poz-voted-defensive-mvp-368527 |url-status=live }}

File:Paul Posluszny vs Jets.jpg

Head coach Dick Jauron named Posluszny the starting middle linebacker along with outside linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Keith Ellison to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Buffalo Bills depth chart: 09/05/2009 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/40/BUF |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621221223/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/40/BUF |url-status=live }} Posluszny was one of six team captains selected prior to the start of the 2009 season.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2009 |title=Bills select six captains |url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-select-six-captains/00374b4d-fc8b-47b1-88b9-2c148ffd6dcb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306202906/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-select-six-captains/00374b4d-fc8b-47b1-88b9-2c148ffd6dcb |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Buffalo Bills}}

He started the Bills' season-opener against the New England Patriots and recorded six solo tackles before leaving the 25–24 Monday Night Football loss in the first quarter after breaking a bone in his left forearm.{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2009 |title=Whitner, Posluszny back practicing |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4561370 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307022636/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4561370 |url-status=live }} The injury was expected to sideline him for at least six weeks, but Posluszny was able to recover quickly and returned in four weeks while missing only four games (Weeks 2–5). He returned in Week 6 and recorded nine combined tackles, one pass deflection, and an interception during a 16–13 victory at the New York Jets.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at New York Jets - October 18th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nyj.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120245/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nyj.htm |url-status=live }} On November 15, 2009, Posluszny recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (ten solo) in their 41–17 loss at the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans - November 15th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911150oti.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054624/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911150oti.htm |url-status=live }} Head coach Dick Jauron was fired two days later after the Bills started the season with a 3–6 record.{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |date=November 17, 2009 |title=Struggling Bills fire coach Jauron after 3-6 start |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4664167 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119103935/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4664167 |url-status=live }} Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was elevated to interim head coach for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2010 |title=Fewell joins Giants staff |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4825410 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306202832/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4825410 |url-status=live }} The next week, Posluszny collected a season-high tying 12 combined tackles (11 solo) in the Bills' 18–15 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars - November 22nd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911220jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120326/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911220jax.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 13, he recorded five solo tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Mark Sanchez in the Bills' 16–13 loss to the New York Jets.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Buffalo Bills - December 3rd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912030buf.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106040418/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912030buf.htm |url-status=live }} On December 20, 2009, Posluszny made nine combined tackles and intercepted Tom Brady for his third pick of the season as the Bills lost to the New England Patriots 17–10.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - December 20th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912200buf.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111171341/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912200buf.htm |url-status=live }} He finished his third season with 111 combined tackles (88 solo), four pass deflections, three interceptions, and one sack in 12 games and 12 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708063645/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live }} The Bills finished the 2009 season fourth in the AFC East and did not qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season after finishing with a 6–10 record.{{Cite web |title=2009 Buffalo Bills Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2009.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327083858/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2009.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/index.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321050728/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/index.htm |url-status=live }}

On January 20, 2010, the Bills announced that they hired former Dallas Cowboys' head coach Chan Gailey as their new head coach.{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2010 |title=Bills hire Chan Gailey as head coach |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/bills-call-news-conference-coaching-hire-looms-80072468-012010%3f |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=FOX Sports |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320190728/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl |url-status=live }} Defensive coordinator George Edwards decided not to continue to use a base 4-3 defense and installed a 3-4 defense that relied heavily on the linebacking core and used two inside linebackers instead of a sole middle linebacker. Throughout training camp, Posluszny competed to be a starting inside linebacker against Kawika Mitchell and Andra Davis.{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2010 |title=Source: Bills add DE Edwards |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5001403 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306202747/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5001403 |url-status=live }} Head coach Chan Gailey named Posluszny and Andra Davis the starting inside linebackers, along with outside linebackers Chris Kelsay and Aaron Maybin.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Buffalo Bills depth chart: 09/05/2010 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/111/BUF |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307023125/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/111/BUF |url-status=live }}

He started the Bills' season-opener against the Miami Dolphins and recorded eight combined tackles and a sack as the Bills lost 15–10.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - September 12th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009120buf.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626231316/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009120buf.htm |url-status=live }} He unfortunately left the game during the third quarter after sustaining an apparent knee injury while tackling running back Ronnie Brown with two teammates.{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2010 |title=Bills LB Posluszny suffers potentially serious knee injury |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81a75ec0/article/bills-lb-posluszny-suffers-potentially-serious-knee-injury |access-date=March 6, 2010 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914054708/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81a75ec0/article/bills-lb-posluszny-suffers-potentially-serious-knee-injury |url-status=dead }} The following day, it was revealed that Posluszny had suffered a sprained MCL and was expected to be sidelined for only two weeks (Weeks 2–3).{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=September 13, 2010 |title=Paul Posluszny has sprained MCL |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5568262 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082220/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5568262 |url-status=live }} On October 31, 2010, Posluszny recorded a season-high 17 combined tackles (11 solo) and broke up a pass during a 13–10 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs - October 31st, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201010310kan.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153547/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201010310kan.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 13, he collected 15 combined tackles (11 solo) and sacked quarterback Tarvaris Jackson as the Bills were routed by the Minnesota Vikings 38–14.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings - December 5th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012050min.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421170352/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012050min.htm |url-status=live }} Throughout the season, Posluszny had ten games with at least ten combined tackles.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707182628/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live }} He finished his final season in Buffalo with 151 combined tackles (103 solo), four pass deflections, and two sacks in 14 games and 14 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707182628/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live }}

On March 1, 2011, the Bills assigned a one-year free agent tender to Posluszny.{{Cite web |last=Wawrow |first=John |date=March 1, 2011 |title=Bills tender contracts to S Whitner, LB Posluszny |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030104156.html |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Washington Post |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082254/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030104156.html |url-status=live }} The tender became null and void, making Posluszny an unrestricted free agent after the signing of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement by the NFLPA that ended a four-month lockout.{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2011 |title=Bills tender contracts to Whitner, Posluszny |url=https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.988533 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=CBC.ca |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320190742/https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.988533 |url-status=live }} Although general manager Buddy Nix and Posluszny showed mutual interest on an extension, with Posluszny saying his first intention is to consider resigning.{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2011 |title=Bills Linebacker Paul Posluszny to Test Free Agency |url=https://www.nesn.com/2011/07/bills-linebacker-paul-posluszny-to-test-free-agency/ |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=NESN.com |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921085155/https://nesn.com/2011/07/bills-linebacker-paul-posluszny-to-test-free-agency/ |url-status=live }} After his departure, Posluszny stated he felt he was not in their plans and not a fit for the team once Nix stated the Bills' desire to have him around 245–250 lbs.{{Cite web |last=Fairburn |first=Matthew |date=January 5, 2018 |title=Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny never wanted to leave the Buffalo Bills |url=https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/01/jaguars_lb_paul_posluszny_never_wanted_to_leave_the_buffalo_bills.html |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=New York Upstate |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082325/http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/01/jaguars_lb_paul_posluszny_never_wanted_to_leave_the_buffalo_bills.html |url-status=live }}

On July 29, 2011, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Posluszny to a six-year, $45 million contract that includes $13 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10 million.{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=July 26, 2011 |title=Jaguars agree to six-year deal with LB Paul Posluszny |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2011/07/27/jaguars-agree-six-year-deal-lb-paul-posluszny/15895519007/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320190747/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2011/07/27/jaguars-agree-six-year-deal-lb-paul-posluszny/15895519007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Paul Posluszny contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/paul-posluszny-1180/ |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=spotrac.com |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319014644/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/paul-posluszny-1180/ |url-status=live }}

He entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker in defensive coordinator Mel Tucker's base 4–3 defense after the role was left vacant by Kirk Morrison who coincidentally departed for the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |last=Benoit |first=Andy |date=August 17, 2011 |title=2011 Jacksonville Jaguars season preview |url=https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/17/2011-jacksonville-jaguars-season-preview/ |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=New York Times |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082237/https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/17/2011-jacksonville-jaguars-season-preview/ |url-status=live }} Head coach Jack Del Rio officially named him the starter along with outside linebackers Daryl Smith and Clint Session.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars depth chart: 09/04/2011 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/JAX |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307022846/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/JAX |url-status=live }}

He made his Jaguars regular season debut in the Jaguars' season-opener against the Tennessee Titans and made four combined tackles and a pass deflection in a 16–14 victory.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars - September 11th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173128/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110jax.htm |url-status=live }} On October 16, 2011, Posluszny recorded a season-high 16 combined tackles (nine solo) in the Jaguars' 17–13 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 16th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110160pit.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315190618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110160pit.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 10, he made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, assisted on a sack, and intercepted a pass by Curtis Painter in a 17–3 win at the Indianapolis Colts.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts - November 13th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111130clt.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209183652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111130clt.htm |url-status=live }} On November 29, 2012, the Jaguars fired head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker was promoted to interim head coach for the rest of the season.{{Cite web |last=Markazi |first=Arash |date=November 30, 2011 |title=Jaguars sack Jack Del Rio, will sell team |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7293624/jacksonville-jaguars-fire-longtime-coach-jack-del-rio-sell-team |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004084956/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7293624/jacksonville-jaguars-fire-longtime-coach-jack-del-rio-sell-team |url-status=live }} Posluszny finished the {{NFL Year|2011}} season with 119 combined tackles (69 solo), a career-high nine pass deflections, two sacks, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124055631/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live }}

On January 11, 2012, the Jaguars hired Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2012 |title=Jags hire Mike Mularkey as coach |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7448807/jacksonville-jaguars-hire-mike-mularkey-coach |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621171007/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7448807/jacksonville-jaguars-hire-mike-mularkey-coach |url-status=live }} Mularkey opted to retain defensive coordinator Mel Tucker with Posluszny, Smith, and Session remaining as the starting linebacker core.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Vaughn |date=August 6, 2012 |title=Jacksonville Jaguars Roster 2012: Latest News, Cuts, Preseason Predictions |url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/amp/1286232-jacksonville-jaguars-roster-2012-latest-news-cuts-preseason-predictions.html |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=bleacherreport.com}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On November 15, 2012, Posluszny recorded 15 combined tackles (nine solo), a pass deflection and intercepted a pass by Matt Schaub during the Jaguars' 43–37 loss at the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - November 18th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180htx.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091205/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180htx.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 17, he made ten combined tackles and sacked quarterback Jake Locker twice as the Jaguars lost 38–20 at the Tennessee Titans. This marked his first career multi-sack game.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans - December 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212300oti.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014161612/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212300oti.htm |url-status=live }} He set a single-season franchise record with 139 combined tackles (106 solo), seven pass deflections, three interceptions, and two sacks in 16 games and 16 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707182116/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live }}

On January 10, 2013, the Jaguars fired head coach Mike Mularkey after a single season where the Jaguars finished 2–14.{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 10, 2013 |title=Jaguars fire coach Mularkey after 2-14 season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8831771/mike-mularkey-jacksonville-jaguars-fired-2-14-season |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823005749/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8831771/mike-mularkey-jacksonville-jaguars-fired-2-14-season |url-status=live }} On January 17, 2013, general manager Dave Caldwell announced Seattle Seahawks' defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as the Jaguars' new head coach.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=January 17, 2013 |title=Jaguars hire Seahawks DC Bradley as next coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/gus-bradley-hired-as-jacksonville-jaguars-head-coach-0ap1000000127607 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151631/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000127607/article/gus-bradley-hired-as-jacksonville-jaguars-head-coach |url-status=live }} Defensive coordinator Bob Babich retained the 4–3 base defense and Posluszny remained the starting middle linebacker alongside outside linebackers Russell Allen and Geno Hayes.{{Cite web |last=Shumake |first=Jon |date=May 10, 2013 |title=Early Projections for the Jacksonville Jaguars' Final 53-Man Roster |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1634578-early-projections-for-the-jacksonville-jaguars-final-53-man-roster |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613172838/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1634578-early-projections-for-the-jacksonville-jaguars-final-53-man-roster |url-status=live }}

On October 13, 2013, Posluszny recorded seven solo tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception off a pass by Peyton Manning for a 59-yard score to mark his first career touchdown in the Jaguars' 35–19 loss at the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Irv |date=October 13, 2013 |title=Jaguars, Paul Posluszny thought a win was there to take vs. Broncos |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_24303233/jaguars-paul-posluszny-thought-win-broncos |website=Denver Post |access-date=November 16, 2013 |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015195126/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_24303233/jaguars-paul-posluszny-thought-win-broncos |url-status=live }} It was the first interception thrown by Manning in his record-setting regular season. In Week 10, Posluszny made eight combined tackles in a 29–27 win at the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans - November 10th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100oti.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021428/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100oti.htm |url-status=live }} He left during the third quarter after suffering a concussion and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Crow |first=Alfie |date=November 13, 2013 |title=Poz named AFC DEF player of the week |url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2013/11/13/5099492/paul-posluszny--afc-defensive-player-of-the-week-jaguars |access-date=December 20, 2020 |website=Big Cat Country |language=en |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111175752/https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2013/11/13/5099492/paul-posluszny--afc-defensive-player-of-the-week-jaguars |url-status=live }} The concussion sidelined him for the Jaguars' Week 11 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The injury ended his streak of 54 consecutive starts.{{Cite web |last=States |first=Adam |date=November 11, 2013 |title=Paul Posluszny injury: Jaguars LB suffers concussion |url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/platform/amp/2013/11/11/5092562/jaguars-paul-posluszny-injury-head |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Big Cat Country |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151010/https://www.bigcatcountry.com/platform/amp/2013/11/11/5092562/jaguars-paul-posluszny-injury-head |url-status=live }} On January 20, 2014, Posluszny was named to his first Pro Bowl, replacing San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.{{Cite web |last=Carlyon |first=Hays |date=January 20, 2014 |title=Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny named to Pro Bowl |url=http://members.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400642/hays-carlyon/2014-01-20/jaguars-lb-paul-posluszny-named-pro-bowl#comment-771707 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130213507/http://members.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400642/hays-carlyon/2014-01-20/jaguars-lb-paul-posluszny-named-pro-bowl#comment-771707 |archive-date=January 30, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2014 |website=Florida Times-Union}} He finished the {{NFL Year|2013}} season with a career-high 162 combined tackles (122 solo), nine pass deflections, three sacks, two interceptions, and one touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708070344/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }}

He returned as the starting middle linebacker in 2014 with starting outside linebackers LaRoy Reynolds and Geno Hayes.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars depth chart: 10/01/2014 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/JAX |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063730/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/JAX |url-status=live }} He started the Jaguars' season-opener at the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded a season-high 11 solo tackles and an assisted tackle in their 34–17 loss.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles - September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070phi.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201135311/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070phi.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 7, Posluszny tied his season-high of 12 combined tackles and sacked Brian Hoyer during the Jaguars' 24–6 win against the Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars - October 19th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410190jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032632/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410190jax.htm |url-status=live }} He left the game in the third quarter after sustaining an injury that was later discovered to be a torn pectoral muscle. Posluszny was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season and led the team with 69 combined tackles at the time of his injury.{{Cite web |last=Oehser |first=John |date=October 20, 2014 |title=Paul Posluszny out for season |url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Paul-Posluszny-out-for-season/041519d0-ad91-4875-910a-e51c8e99fe4b |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307214205/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Paul-Posluszny-out-for-season/041519d0-ad91-4875-910a-e51c8e99fe4b |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Jaguars.com}} He finished the season with 69 combined tackles (42 solo), two pass deflections, and one sack in seven games and seven starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708033443/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}

On April 16, 2015, the Jaguars and Posluszny agreed to restructure his contract to a three-year, $15 million contract extension with $3.95 million guaranteed.

Posluszny remained the starting middle linebacker, but was now playing alongside Telvin Smith and Dan Skuta to start the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars depth chart: 07/01/2015 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/174/JAX |access-date=March 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063240/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/174/JAX |url-status=live }} In Week 3, he collected a career-high 18 combined tackles (14 solo) as the Jaguars were routed by the New England Patriots 51–17.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots - September 27th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509270nwe.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226094858/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509270nwe.htm |url-status=live }} The following week, he made five combined tackles in a 16–13 loss at the Indianapolis Colts before leaving with an ankle injury.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts - October 4th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040clt.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011100617/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040clt.htm |url-status=live }} He missed Jacksonville's Week 5 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to the high ankle sprain.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2015 |title=Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny (ankle) hopes to play Week 5 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jaguars-lb-paul-posluszny-ankle-hopes-to-play-week-5/ |access-date=March 7, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042744/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jaguars-lb-paul-posluszny-ankle-hopes-to-play-week-5/ |url-status=live }} On December 6, 2015, Posluszny made 13 combined tackles during a 42–39 loss at the Tennessee Titans. He left the game in the fourth quarter after suffering a broken right hand.{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Ryan |date=December 8, 2015 |title=Jacksonville Jaguars Daily: Team signs several LBs after Paul Posluszny injury |url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/platform/amp/2015/12/8/9870560/jacksonville-jaguars-daily-team-signs-several-lbs-after-paul-posluszny-injury |access-date=March 7, 2018 |website=Big Cat Country |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041946/https://www.bigcatcountry.com/platform/amp/2015/12/8/9870560/jacksonville-jaguars-daily-team-signs-several-lbs-after-paul-posluszny-injury |url-status=live }} He missed the Jaguars' Week 14 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. On December 20, 2015, Posluszny collected ten combined tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass by Matt Ryan during a 23–17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars - December 20th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512200jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814021724/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512200jax.htm |url-status=live }} He finished the {{NFL Year|2015}} season with 133 combined tackles (103 solo), six pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 14 games and 14 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708081042/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live }}

On January 5, 2016, defensive coordinator Bob Babich was fired after the Jaguars defense finished 31st in points allowed per game and 24th the previous season.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Jaguars fire defensive coordinator Bob Babich |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jaguars-fire-defensive-coordinator-bob-babich-0ap3000000618070 |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063723/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000618070/article/jaguars-fire-defensive-coordinator-bob-babich |url-status=live }} On January 22, 2016, the Jaguars' announced that defensive line coach Todd Wash would be promoted to defensive coordinator.{{Cite web |last=Oesher |first=John |date=January 22, 2016 |title=Todd Wash promoted to defensive coordinator |url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Todd-Wash-promoted-to-defensive-coordinator/393bd1b0-f71a-4d01-937e-5adb7175b490 |access-date=March 4, 2018 |website=jaguars.com |archive-date=March 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304231744/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Todd-Wash-promoted-to-defensive-coordinator/393bd1b0-f71a-4d01-937e-5adb7175b490 |url-status=live }} During organized team activities and the start of training camp, Posluszny competed for the job as the starting middle linebacker against rookie Myles Jack.{{Cite web |last=Marvez |first=Alex |date=August 20, 2016 |title=Paul Posluszny's mentorship of Jaguars' Myles Jack is a bit selfish too |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/amp/nfl/news/jacksonville-jaguars-paul-posluszny-myles-jack-linebacker-will-mike-gus-bradley/1glbxwg35klvaz8iygxhe9fxn |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=sportingnews.com |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306082611/http://www.sportingnews.com/amp/nfl/news/jacksonville-jaguars-paul-posluszny-myles-jack-linebacker-will-mike-gus-bradley/1glbxwg35klvaz8iygxhe9fxn |url-status=live }} Head coach Gus Bradley named Posluszny the starting middle linebacker along with starting outside linebackers Dan Skuta and Telvin Smith to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars' depth chart: 09/01/2016 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/187/JAX |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=February 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212201455/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/187/JAX |url-status=live }}

On September 25, 2016, Posluszny recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback Joe Flacco in the Jaguars' 19–17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The following game, he made seven combined tackles and 1.5 sacks on Andrew Luck during a 30–27 victory against the Indianapolis Colts at Wembley Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars - October 2nd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012071959/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020jax.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 6, he tied his season-high of 10 solo tackles as the Jaguars earned a 17–16 victory at the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears - October 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160chi.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000332/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160chi.htm |url-status=live }} On December 18, 2016, the Jaguars fired head coach Gus Bradley after they lost at the Houston Texans and had a 2–12 record. Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Doug Marrone was promoted to interim head coach for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=December 18, 2016 |title=Jaguars fire head coach Gus Bradley after three-plus seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/gus-bradley-fired-by-jacksonville-jaguars-0ap3000000759029 |access-date=March 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306010622/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000759029/article/gus-bradley-fired-by-jacksonville-jaguars |url-status=live }} Posluszny finished the {{NFL Year|2016}} season with 133 combined tackles (97 solo), a career-high 14 quarterback hurries, three pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711022500/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }}

On January 9, 2017, the Jaguars chose interim head coach Doug Marrone to be the full-time head coach entering the 2017 season.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=January 9, 2017 |title=Jaguars hire Doug Marrone to be new head coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jaguars-hire-doug-marrone-to-be-new-head-coach-0ap3000000772110 |access-date=March 7, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315125023/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000772110/article/jaguars-hire-doug-marrone-to-be-new-head-coach |url-status=live }} Marrone retained Todd Wash as the Jaguars defensive coordinator and hired Perry Fewell as defensive backs coach who was Posluszny's former defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills. On April 18, 2017, it was announced by the Jaguars' coaching staff that Myles Jack would enter organized team activities as the starting middle linebacker and Paul Posluszny would take over the starting strongside linebacker role previously held by Jack and the recently departed Dan Skuta.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 18, 2017 |title=Jaguars moving Paul Posluszny to SAM linebacker |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000800676/article/jaguars-moving-paul-posluszny-to-sam-linebacker |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306023614/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000800676/article/jaguars-moving-paul-posluszny-to-sam-linebacker |url-status=dead }} Posluszny returned to his middle linebacker position after Jack reverted to his strongside linebacker position due to his inability to adjust to his new role and his difficulty performing the required duties during the Jaguars' first preseason game against the New England Patriots.{{Cite web |last=DiRocco |first=Michael |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Myles Jack still learning to 'play fast' in middle of Jaguars' defense |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/22038/myles-jack-paul-posluszny-sharing-work-at-middle-linebacker |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=espn.com |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306024738/http://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/22038/myles-jack-paul-posluszny-sharing-work-at-middle-linebacker |url-status=live }}

In Week 13, Posluszny recorded a season-high 14 combined tackles and made 1.5 sacks on quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts 30–10.

He finished the {{NFL Year|2017}} season with 61 combined tackles (42 solo), two pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks in 16 games and 11 starts.{{Cite web |title=Paul Posluszny 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320190746/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoluPa99/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars - December 3rd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712030jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102193821/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712030jax.htm |url-status=live }}

The Jaguars finished first in the AFC South with a 10–6 record and received a playoff berth.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/index.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516144930/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/index.htm |url-status=live }} This was the first time in Posluszny's career his team had a winning record and made the playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Kirschman |first=Lauren |date=January 15, 2018 |title=In playoffs for first time, Penn State's Paul Posluszny helps Jaguars beat Steelers in divisional round |url=https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2018/01/paul_posluszny_playoffs_home_pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 8, 2018 |website=pennlive.com |archive-date=March 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309182906/http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2018/01/paul_posluszny_playoffs_home_pittsburgh.html |url-status=live }} On January 7, 2018, Posluszny started his first career playoff game, but was held without a tackle as the Jaguars defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars - January 7th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801070jax.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118155800/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801070jax.htm |url-status=live }} The following week, Posluszny made three combined tackles and a pass deflection in a 45–42 victory against his home state Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 14th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140pit.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115214635/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140pit.htm |url-status=live }} The Jaguars were eliminated by the New England Patriots in the following game with Posluszny collecting three solo tackles in the Jaguars' 24–20 AFC Championship loss.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots - January 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124142601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |url-status=live }}

On March 13, 2018, Posluszny announced his retirement from the NFL.{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Paul Posluszny announces retirement following 11-year NFL career |url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Paul-Posluszny-announces-retirement-following-11-year-NFL-career/02090bd1-da3c-49cc-ab47-d4e7e7d43ad6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313181442/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Paul-Posluszny-announces-retirement-following-11-year-NFL-career/02090bd1-da3c-49cc-ab47-d4e7e7d43ad6 |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2018 |website=Jaguars.com}}{{Cite web |last=Oehser |first=John |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Posluszny retires after 11 NFL seasons |url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Posluszny-retires-after-11-NFL-seasons/cb2a7427-89ee-447e-b579-5a5f7e2224da |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313181002/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Posluszny-retires-after-11-NFL-seasons/cb2a7427-89ee-447e-b579-5a5f7e2224da |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2018 |website=Jaguars.com}}

On July 6, 2013, Posluszny married fellow Penn State graduate Elizabeth Sarah Johnson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before the start of the 2013 regular season.{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2013 |title=Elizabeth Johnson, Paul Posluszny |url=https://www.altoonamirror.com/life/weddings/2013/11/elizabeth-johnson-paul-posluszny/ |access-date=January 21, 2014 |website=The Altoona Mirror |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320190746/https://www.altoonamirror.com/life/weddings/2013/11/elizabeth-johnson-paul-posluszny/ |url-status=live }} They delayed their Bora Bora honeymoon until after the season ended, but postponed it again after Posluszny was voted to the Pro Bowl.

Despite wearing No. 31 like his idol Shane Conlan at Penn State, Posluszny chose No. 51 when joining the Bills as a rookie instead of No. 58, which was available and was the number Conlan wore with the Bills.{{Cite web |last=Casale |first=Thomas |date=May 18, 2009 |title=Paul Posluszny Is a Rising Star For The Buffalo Bills' Defense |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177862 |access-date=March 5, 2018 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306142409/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177862 |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist|30em}}

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{{Dick Butkus Award (collegiate)}}

{{Chuck Bednarik Award}}

{{2005 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}

{{2006 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}

{{Football Academic All-America of the Year}}

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Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:All-American college football players

Category:American football middle linebackers

Category:American people of Polish descent

Category:Buffalo Bills players

Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players

Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football players

Category:Players of American football from Beaver County, Pennsylvania

Category:Sportspeople from Butler, Pennsylvania

Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players

Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees