


Kerby Joseph (born November 14, 2000) is an American professional football safety for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini, where he was an All-American. Joseph was selected in the third round by the Lions in the 2022 NFL draft. In 2024, he was the NFL interceptions leader, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
Early life
Joseph grew up in Orlando, Florida and attended Jones High School. As a senior, he had four interceptions and seven tackles for loss at cornerback and also caught five touchdown receptions as a wide receiver. Joseph was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at Illinois over offers from Mississippi State, Syracuse, South Florida and Florida Atlantic. He is of Haitian descent.
College career
Joseph played mostly as a reserve defensive back and on special teams in his first two seasons at Illinois. He was named a starter going into his junior year and recorded 19 tackles in the Illini's COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Joseph was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference in 2021 after finishing the season with 57 tackles, one sack, and three fumble recoveries while also intercepting five passes. After the end of the season, Joseph declared that he would be entering the 2022 NFL draft. After the conclusion of his college career, Joseph was invited to play in the 2022 Senior Bowl.
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Trophies ![]()
Milestones
Former Youth Teams ![]()
2018-2021 |





