When the Pro Bowl rosters were released earlier this month, the absence of Detroit Lions star safety Kerby Joseph was easily the most glaring in the entire NFL after Joseph has put together an elite season.
What made the snub more frustrating was the fact that Joseph was leading in the Pro Bowl vote among fans before the player and coach portion of the voting, so that means Joseph was snubbed by his peers and NFL coaches.
Well, Joseph has been snubbed by his peers yet again. On Wednesday, the NFLPA released its third annual All-Pro team, which is voted on by players (this is not the traditional All-Pro team that is voted on by media members).
Instead of Joseph getting the nod at free safety for the NFLPA All-Pro first-team, it was Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who also got the nod for the Pro Bowl ahead of Joseph.
No safety in the NFL is more deserving than Joseph, who had the best season of his career, and the best season of anyone at his position.
Joseph led the NFL in interceptions with nine, and his 12 passes defensed were tied for second at the position, trailing only teammate Brian Branch. Joseph’s overall (91), run defense (83.2) and coverage (91.9) Pro Football Focus grades ranked first, 13th and first among all safeties, respectively.
Among safeties who have played at leas 80% of the snaps for their teams, Joseph ranks second in completion rate allowed (60.7%) and sixth in passer rating surrendered (75.0) when targeted, per PFF.
So, what gives?
Well, there has been some speculation that the dirty player label Joseph has picked up in the eyes of some could be the cause. Joseph faced plenty of heat after his hits on tight ends Tyler Higbee and T.J. Hockenson last season caused serious injuries. Joseph was not penalized or fined for either hit.
Aaron Glenn on why Kerby Joseph was passed over for the Pro Bowl: I think we all know why. The inference, of course, is that people think Joseph is a dirty player and the reputation is what kept him off the team. https://t.co/DmvrJyKqMm via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 2, 2025
When asked about the Pro Bowl snub, Joseph said he didn’t plan on taking part in the Pro Bowl Games anyway because he plans on being in the Super Bowl. Joseph also noted that the real All-Pro team is more important than Pro Bowl recognition.
“I saw it and I was like, ‘Wow, that’s crazy,'” Joseph said, per Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website. “But I wasn’t really too much worried about the Pro Bowl. I ain’t trying to be the in the Pro Bowl. I’m trying to be in that Super Bowl.”
“I feel like All-Pro is the real recognition that people give,” Joseph added. “I’m not really worried about it. I’m focused on the Super Bowl. I wasn’t going to go the Pro Bowl anyways.”
The NFL-recognized All-Pro team should be revealed in the coming days. Joseph being snubbed from that group would clinch an unacceptable trifecta. Hopefully the voters for that honor have more sense and give Joseph his due.
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