By Sunday 
A Star in the Making? Kerby Joseph Thinks So
Detroit Lions safety and All-Pro ballhawk Kerby Joseph has never been shy about speaking his mind—and this week, he took to social media to make one thing clear: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is about to turn up in 2025.
“Year 2 Ennis Rakestraw is gonna go crazy,” read a tweet from The Detroit Times, which prompted a fired-up reply from Joseph himself:
“Facts bro in dat 9 mf.”
Translation? The hype is real, and Joseph is all in.
The response stirred up Lions Twitter, with fans and media pages alike echoing Joseph’s enthusiasm and crowning Rakestraw as the latest secret weapon in Detroit’s already fearsome secondary.
Who Is Ennis Rakestraw Jr.?
Rakestraw was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and played in eight games during his rookie campaign. At 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, the former Missouri Tiger brings a tough, physical style to the cornerback position. Think scrappy coverage, sticky hips, and the kind of attitude that makes wide receivers uncomfortable before the ball is even snapped.
While his stat sheet from last season was modest—four total tackles—his potential was evident in flashes. Now, entering Year 2, he’s got the support of not just the coaching staff but one of the league’s sharpest defensive minds in Joseph.
Detroit’s Dangerous Defensive Backfield
Joseph’s comment didn’t just come from nowhere—it reflects a growing sentiment in Detroit that this Lions secondary is built different.
With veterans like Brian Branch and Kindle Vildor alongside Joseph and Rakestraw, Detroit’s backfield has the tools to give offensive coordinators nightmares. One fan summed it up perfectly:
“THE BEST SECONDARY IN THE NFL.”
Hyperbole? Maybe. But with swagger like this and development from young studs like Rakestraw, it’s not out of the question.
The Fans Are Here for It
The reaction from Lions fans was immediate and passionate. From license plate emojis reading “9LIONS” to someone yelling, “Yo bro stretch those damn hammys…We needed him last year,” it’s clear the Rakestraw fanbase is ready for liftoff.
One of the more memorable reactions?
“He’s gonna be a demon.”
Well then.
What to Watch for in 2025
If Joseph’s instincts are right—and history says they usually are—Rakestraw could be a breakout name by midseason. He brings the kind of pestering presence and length that makes receivers hesitate, and if his body holds up, he could lock down a starting role.
For a Lions team with Super Bowl hopes and a chip on its shoulder, having a young corner come into his own could be the missing piece. So as training camp nears, don’t be surprised if No. 9 is the guy you keep hearing about.
Because when Kerby Joseph speaks?
Detroit listens.