Kerby Joseph became the defensive lynchpin for the Detroit Lions this season and guided them to the top spot in the NFC playoffs. However, the safety finds his name missing as awards season comes around.
Joesph had previously been looked over this year’s Pro Bowl roster as well and now has been omitted for the Defensive Player of the Year award. NFL fans are bewildered by the omission.
Kerby Joseph Gets Overlooked for DPOY Honors
On Thursday (Jan. 23), the NFL released the names of five finalists who will have a chance to win the award. Among the names are several well-deserved candidates including Zack Baun, linebacker of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL posted its entire list of finalists on X (previously Twitter).
The finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by @TCL_USA! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/LCaNESupFR
— NFL (@NFL)
However, fans couldn’t believe that Joseph was not considered worthy of this accolade. They did not stay silent and aired out their disagreement.
“HOW IS KERBY JOSEPH NOT ON HERE??” replied one fan.
“lmao Kerby Joseph robbed,” tweeted a fan.
lmao Kerby Joseph robbed
— K (@rewit23)
“How in the hell do you snub the best All-Pro safety in the league??!! Kerby more than earned this and for his name to not be on here is criminal,” a fan added.
“Y’all missed one name! Kerby clears!” another fan commented.
Y'all missed one name! Kerby clears!
— DeckPeck (@LionDetroit20)
“Kerby Joseph not being on here is a f***ing joke,” added another fan.
“Kerby at least needs a spot hes not gonna win it but come on,” tweeted another fan.
Kerby at least needs a spot hes not gonna win it but come on https://t.co/S9sjW9sZhb
— AnzaloneSZN (@AnzaloneEnjoyer)
The Lions Look To Extend Joseph
While the NFL awards committees might not value Joseph, the Lions and general manager Brad Holmes consider him worthy of an extension. During the end-of-season press conference, Holmes outlined his views on Joseph.
“That’s on the docket, in terms of to be looked at and discussed,” Holmes said. “We know where he’s at from an eligibility (standpoint)… He’s an All-Pro player, and he’s another one that’s gotten better and better, and he’s another one that’s proven he’s a Detroit Lion. He fits, he fits our culture.
“It’s hard to find ball-hawk guys that will tackle how he does. I think that’s what makes him unique. Again, we haven’t had intense dialogue about that yet, but obviously, we want to keep the good players here.”
