Detroit Lions star safety Kerby Joseph has been one of the league’s most dominant players in 2024, making his omission from the Pro Bowl roster shocking. Despite leading fan voting at his position, the votes from players and coaches—each making up one-third of the vote—left him off the list.
Joseph, however, remains focused on a larger goal. When asked about the snub, the Lions’ defensive playmaker responded with class and determination:
“I saw it and I was like, ‘Wow, that’s crazy,’” Joseph said via Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ official site. “But I wasn’t really too much worried about the Pro Bowl. I ain’t trying to be in the Pro Bowl. I’m trying to be in that Super Bowl.”
Joseph also emphasized the importance of All-Pro recognition, which he believes carries more weight than a Pro Bowl selection:
“I feel like All-Pro is the real recognition that people give. I’m not really worried about it. I’m focused on the Super Bowl. I wasn’t going to go to the Pro Bowl anyways.”
A Case for Defensive Player of the Year
Joseph’s standout season has put him in contention for All-Pro honors and possibly Defensive Player of the Year. His stats speak for themselves:
NFL leader in interceptions (9)
Second among safeties in passes defensed
Top overall and coverage grades from Pro Football Focus
13th in run defense among safeties
Second-lowest completion rate allowed and 7th in passer rating allowed among safeties with 80% coverage snaps.
“He doesn’t need [the snub] as motivation. He knows he’s a good player,” said Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. “What he needs to know is that he’s made impact plays on a national stage. That’s all the recognition he should need.”
Why Was He Overlooked?
The reason for Joseph’s Pro Bowl omission remains unclear. Glenn hinted that a “dirty player” label, unfairly attached to Joseph by some critics, might have influenced the voting.
Regardless, Joseph’s focus on the Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations and his exceptional performance on the field make it clear that his true recognition is yet to come. The All-Pro team and potentially the Lombardi Trophy could provide all the validation he needs.
