Career Timeline of Kerby Joseph: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 6, 2025

Discover the career path of Kerby Joseph, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kerby Joseph is a professional American football safety playing for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. He achieved All-American status during his college football career with the Illinois Fighting Illini. Drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Joseph quickly rose to prominence. In 2024, he led the NFL in interceptions and was honored as a first-team All-Pro, solidifying his position as a key player for the Lions.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2020: 19 Tackles in the COVID-19-shortened season

In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Joseph recorded 19 tackles for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

2021: All-Big Ten Conference Honors

In 2021, Joseph was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference after recording 57 tackles, one sack, three fumble recoveries, and five interceptions.

2021: Start on defense

In 2021, Kerby Joseph started on defense.

May 12, 2022: Signed by the Detroit Lions

On May 12, 2022, Joseph signed a four-year, $5.04 million contract with the Lions, including a signing bonus of $849,020.

September 11, 2022: Professional Regular Season Debut

On September 11, 2022, Joseph made his professional regular season debut in the Detroit Lions' home-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

September 27, 2022: Named Starting Strong Safety

On September 27, 2022, Joseph was named the starting strong safety for the Detroit Lions after Tracy Walker was placed on injured reserve.

November 6, 2022: NFC Defensive Player of the Week

On November 6, 2022, Joseph recorded ten combined tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions off Aaron Rodgers, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

2022: Drafted by the Detroit Lions

In 2022, Joseph was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round (97th overall).

2022: Invited to play in the Senior Bowl

In 2022, after declaring for the NFL draft, Joseph was invited to play in the Senior Bowl.

December 24, 2023: Two Interceptions Against the Vikings

On December 24, 2023, Joseph recorded nine combined tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings.

2023: Detroit Lions finished first in the NFC North

In 2023, The Detroit Lions finished the 2023 NFL season first in the NFC North with a 12–5 record and clinched a playoff berth.

January 14, 2024: First Career Postseason Game

On January 14, 2024, Joseph started in his first career postseason game and recorded two solo tackles and deflected a pass in the Lions' victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wildcard Game.