By Mummy Grace 
Big Snub? Kerby Joseph Left Out of the Pro Bowl, Despite Stellar Season
The Detroit Lions are making waves this season, and while they might not be headed to the Super Bowl just yet, they’ll be well-represented at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. But there’s one big surprise: star safety Kerby Joseph isn’t on the roster.
Despite leading the league with a jaw-dropping nine interceptions, the 24-year-old is being left out in favor of Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who’s got seven picks, 84 tackles, and a fumble recovery under his belt. Meanwhile, Joseph’s teammate, strong safety Brian Branch, made the cut, meaning the Lions still have some Pro Bowl love for their secondary. But fans are scratching their heads, wondering how Joseph got snubbed.
Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, had a pretty cryptic response when asked about the omission: “I think we all know that, but it is what it is,” he said, according to Colton Pouncy from The Athletic.
Is Joseph’s Past Holding Him Back?
So, why isn’t Joseph getting the love he clearly deserves? Well, some fans are thinking his past might be catching up with him. Known for being a “dirty player,” Joseph had a rough reputation after making some controversial low hits last season. He injured tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Tyler Higbee, which left a bad taste in some mouths. Recently, he even had a heated exchange with wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Could that history be why he didn’t make the cut? Some believe that’s the case.
Joseph definitely had the fan support, getting the most votes for his position. But it’s not just about fans; coaches and players get a say, too. Clearly, their opinions didn’t line up with the people’s.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s talk stats. Joseph leads the NFL with those nine picks, and he’s also got 77 combined tackles, 12 passes defended, and one tackle for loss. Pro Football Focus even gave him a stellar 90.7 grade—way higher than McKinney’s 87.1. So, yeah, the numbers back him up. But despite that, the coaches and players just weren’t sold.
With the Lions’ season full of ups and downs, this snub is another reason for the team to come out swinging in their Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings—and into the playoffs. If you think Joseph’s going to forget this slight, you’d be wrong. He’s got some extra fuel for the fire.