By Mmesoma 
The Detroit Lions are no longer the NFL’s lovable underdogs—they’re contenders with a target on their backs. With stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jared Goff grabbing headlines, there’s plenty of spotlight to go around. But amidst the buzz, one crucial piece of Detroit’s rise continues to operate in the shadows: safety Kerby Joseph.
While he may not command the national spotlight, Joseph has quietly become one of the most impactful players on the Lions’ defense. Entering just his third year, the former Illinois standout already has a reputation for clutch plays, instinctive coverage, and a nose for the football.
Need proof? Joseph led the Lions in interceptions in 2022 and made national waves when he picked off Aaron Rodgers three times in the same season—twice in the regular season and again in Rodgers’ final game as a Packer. Still, despite his playmaking ability, Joseph rarely garners the attention his production warrants.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has praised Joseph’s development, calling him “one of the smartest guys on the field” and highlighting his ability to read quarterbacks and disguise coverages. His range in the secondary, coupled with his physical tackling style, has helped shore up a Detroit pass defense that struggled in recent years.
What sets Joseph apart isn’t just his stats—it’s his timing. Whether it’s a third-down stop, a red-zone deflection, or a momentum-shifting pick, Joseph shows up when it matters most. That knack for game-changing moments is something every elite defense needs—and Detroit might just have theirs in No. 31.
As the Lions prepare for a season with real Super Bowl aspirations, don’t be surprised if Kerby Joseph becomes a household name by the end of 2024. The spotlight may not be on him yet—but it should be.