Kerby Joseph, the Detroit Lions safety known for his no-nonsense attitude, is once again in the spotlight—this time for his fiery response to being snubbed from the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. After leading the NFL with 9 interceptions, Joseph took to Instagram to vent his frustration, posting an unfiltered, NSFW message aimed directly at former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. With his reputation as a “dirty” player preceding him, many speculate this may have played a part in his Pro Bowl omission.
The Playoff Beef That Sparked the Drama
The tension between Joseph and Stafford isn’t new. It traces back to last season’s playoff game when Stafford was heard calling Joseph out for being a “dirty” player. On a hot mic, Stafford said, “Hey, that’s a good hit. That’s a good hit, but you’re dirty as [censored], though, and you know it.” Ouch. Stafford’s comments were about Joseph’s aggressive and sometimes borderline hits, which have stirred up controversy on and off the field.
Joseph’s Response After Pro Bowl Snub
When Joseph was left off the Pro Bowl roster, despite his standout performance this season, he didn’t hold back. He hit Instagram with a post that read, in all caps: “F**k Stafford.” It’s clear Joseph isn’t one to shy away from controversy or bite his tongue. While his aggressive playing style has earned him respect from teammates and coaches, it seems like the league’s perception of his “dirty” rep may have played a part in the snub.
A Chip on His Shoulder
Kerby Joseph isn’t fazed by the opinions of others. If anything, his fiery response shows just how motivated he is to keep proving himself. Leading the league in interceptions and still being considered for Defensive Player of the Year, Joseph’s determination is palpable. As he continues to play with a chip on his shoulder, expect him to use the snub and the beef with Stafford as fuel to keep dominating.
At the end of the day, Joseph seems to be all about letting his performance speak louder than any words or controversies. And with the season heating up, it’s clear he’s got something to prove.