Lions’ Kerby Joseph isn’t too concerned about missing out on Pro Bowl despite mind-blowing numbers

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph claimed his aim is winning the Super Bowl so being snubbed from the Pro Bowl doesn't matter to him too much.

Lions’ Kerby Joseph isn’t too concerned about missing out on Pro Bowl despite mind-blowing numbers

Detroit Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph (Image via IMAGO)

Every year the NFL leaves out one player that every fan knows deserves to be on the Pro Bowl list. This year the unfortunate soul is Detroit Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph.

Joseph has been phenomenal for the Lions all year. He leads the league in interceptions created with 9. Pro Football Focus also graded the former Illinois Fighting Illini graduate the highest numbers among NFL safeties who played 16 games (90.7).

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Furthermore, Joseph leads all defensive backs with a 25.4 passer rating allowed as per Pro Football Reference. He has a total of 77 tackles, one touchdown, and has the fourth-best odds for the Defensive Player of the Year title.

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The DB spot is always the hardest to grade, but Joseph clearly outshined anyone else. So, when the NFL revealed the list for the 2025 edition of the Pro Bowl fans were shocked to see the 24-year-old’s name excluded from it.

When reporters asked for a reaction, Joseph denied being bothered by the decision.

Man, I wasn’t really too worried about the Pro Bowl. I ain’t trying to be in the Pro Bowl. I am trying to be in that Super Bowl. I’m trying to see that for real. So the Pro Bowl is what it is.

Kerby Joseph said via Nolan Bianchi of Detroit News.

Green Bay Packers’ Xavier McKinney found himself on the list in place of Joseph. McKinney completed 84 tackles, one sack, 10 pass deflections, and 7 interceptions in 16 games this year.

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Why did Kerby Joseph not make the Pro Bowl?

Even though Joseph is a top-class player, the NFL covers every base before making its final list of players for the Pro Bowls which not only includes the numbers but also the player’s attitude during a game. This is where perhaps McKinney ended up besting his NFC North rival.

Lions Kerby Joseph isn't too concerned about missing out on Pro Bowl "I am not worried"
Kerby Joseph (Image via IMAGO)

Joseph has a history of being a ‘dirty player’ according to former teammates Matthew Stafford (ex-Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback) and TJ Hockenson. Joseph sent Hockenson to rehab with a bad tackle in 2022, which he repeated on Rams TE Tyler Higbee, bringing out the fierce side of Stafford.

Hockenson since then confided that Joseph’s tackle was part of the game and there was no malicious intent.

I don’t necessarily think it was [intended to injure]. You go back on the tape and you see what happened. I don’t think it was [malicious].

TJ Hockenson said.
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The bottom line is that Kerby Joseph has to wait another year and produce top-tier numbers to be part of the Pro Bowl. However, he has a chance to become back-to-back divisional champions (by beating the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, week 18) and Super Bowl champion this year.