In a sport where accolades and recognition often come with the territory of consistent, high-level performance, Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph’s continued exclusion from Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors is nothing short of puzzling. Despite establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most impactful defensive players over the past couple of seasons, Joseph finds himself, once again, snubbed by his peers. This year’s Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, which highlight the league’s best and brightest, revealed a glaring omission—Joseph’s name was missing, even though his play has been a defining factor in the Lions’ defensive resurgence.
Joseph, a second-year player out of Illinois, has quickly emerged as one of the most talented safeties in the league. His combination of ball-hawking instincts, physicality, and leadership has made him a key figure in Detroit’s defense. But despite his standout performances, including key interceptions, game-changing plays, and his role in a much-improved Lions defense, Joseph’s name remains absent from the conversations surrounding the NFL’s elite defensive players.
So why, despite all his success, has Joseph been consistently overlooked? Let’s dive into the details behind his latest snub, the case for his inclusion, and why the football world may be missing out on one of its brightest defensive stars.
### A Breakout 2023 Season
Kerby Joseph’s 2023 campaign, particularly, should have solidified his place among the NFL’s elite. In his second year, Joseph played a central role in one of the league’s most exciting defensive units. With five interceptions, including several crucial game-changing picks, Joseph proved that he is not just a safety who can do the dirty work but one who can change the course of a game with a single play.
But it wasn’t just about the interceptions. Joseph’s versatility has been a hallmark of his game. Whether playing in deep coverage, providing support in the box against the run, or stepping up as a leader in crucial moments, Joseph has done it all. He’s been a linchpin for the Lions’ defense, working alongside the likes of cornerback Jeff Okudah and linebacker Alex Anzalone to create a unit that is both aggressive and intelligent.
In a game against the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, for example, Joseph delivered a performance that should have turned heads. He recorded a critical interception in the fourth quarter, helping the Lions secure a much-needed victory. His ability to read the quarterback, position himself in the right spot, and make a timely play showed the kind of talent that should have earned him more attention.
Furthermore, Joseph has consistently graded out highly in advanced metrics. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Joseph has ranked among the top safeties in the league in terms of coverage grade, missed tackles, and overall defensive contributions. His ability to cover ground in the backfield, both in man-to-man and zone coverage, has made him an invaluable asset in Detroit’s defensive scheme.
### A Snub That Isn’t New
Unfortunately for Joseph, this year’s omission from Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors is not the first time his talent has been overlooked. Despite his impressive statistics and growing reputation as one of the league’s top young safeties, he has repeatedly been left off the rosters for these prestigious honors.
Why does this keep happening? The answer likely lies in a combination of factors, including voter bias, positional competition, and the overall narrative around the Detroit Lions franchise.
#### 1. **Voter Bias and Regional Disadvantages**
One of the key reasons for Joseph’s repeated snubs is the unfortunate reality of playing in a smaller-market team like the Detroit Lions. While Detroit has long been a loyal football city with passionate fans, it doesn’t always receive the same level of national media attention as larger-market teams like the Dallas Cowboys or New England Patriots. In the NFL, media narratives often play a significant role in determining who gets the spotlight and who gets overlooked. For players on smaller teams, like Joseph, the lack of national exposure can result in a lack of recognition from peers and voters.
The Pro Bowl voting process, in particular, can sometimes lean heavily on name recognition and past accolades. Joseph, while still establishing himself, hasn’t had the widespread recognition that comes from playing in high-profile postseason games or on nationally televised prime-time games. It’s a tough cycle to break out of, and unfortunately for Joseph, that means he’s being overlooked despite his standout performances.
#### 2. **Positional Competition**
Another factor working against Joseph’s recognition is the depth of talent at his position. The safety class in the NFL is loaded with stars, from household names like the Los Angeles Chargers’ Derwin James to recent standouts like the Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton. The sheer volume of exceptional safety play across the league means that players like Joseph, despite their excellence, are often overshadowed by the bigger names.
This issue isn’t unique to Joseph. In any given year, there are always more deserving players than there are spots on the All-Pro team or Pro Bowl rosters. That makes it incredibly difficult for any player, even one as talented as Joseph, to break through. The fact that Joseph’s name isn’t getting the recognition it deserves points to the fierce competition and often arbitrary nature of the recognition system in the NFL.
#### 3. **The Lions’ Recent Rebuild**
Despite the Lions’ strides in improving their defense under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the team’s reputation still lingers in the background. The Lions have historically been one of the NFL’s more underachieving franchises, and while they’ve shown significant progress in recent seasons, it takes time for their individual players to shed the perception of a rebuilding team. Joseph is part of a new wave of Lions talent, but until the team consistently competes for playoff spots and deep postseason runs, players from Detroit will likely continue to fly under the radar.
In years past, players like Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson were often overlooked for major awards simply because of the Lions’ lack of sustained success as a team. Unfortunately, the same fate may befall Joseph until Detroit begins to stack up more wins and gain more national relevance.
### The Case for Kerby Joseph’s Recognition
So what makes Joseph deserving of Pro Bowl and All-Pro consideration, and why should he be getting more respect from his peers?
For starters, Joseph has been one of the most consistent playmakers in the secondary. His five interceptions in 2023 speak to his ability to read the game and make key plays in critical moments. His ball-hawking skills have turned him into one of the most feared safeties when the game is on the line.
Beyond the numbers, Joseph has been the emotional and physical leader of Detroit’s defense. His presence in the secondary has given the Lions’ defense a sense of confidence that was previously lacking. Whether it’s playing in the box to stop the run or dropping into coverage to secure an interception, Joseph’s versatility and ability to do it all have made him invaluable to his team.
Furthermore, his development as a communicator and leader in the locker room has made him a pivotal part of the Lions’ culture. The defensive chemistry and trust that Joseph has built with his teammates have helped elevate the play of everyone around him, from cornerbacks to linebackers.
### The Road Ahead for Kerby Joseph
Despite the snubs and the lack of recognition from peers and media alike, Kerby Joseph is likely not concerned about the awards and accolades. He’s a player who focuses on the work at hand—making plays, leading his defense, and helping the Lions win games. However, it’s undeniable that his time for recognition will come, and it’s only a matter of when, not if, he’ll break through.
Joseph’s snub, though disappointing, only adds fuel to the fire. As the Lions continue to improve and Joseph’s play continues to elevate, the NFL will have no choice but to take notice. His rise has been one of quiet excellence, and with his trajectory pointing upward, it’s only a matter of time before the Pro Bowl and All-Pro votes start to roll in.
Until then, Kerby Joseph will keep doing what he does best: playing hard, playing smart, and continuing to prove that the snubs don’t define him. They just make the eventual recognition all the sweeter.