Kerby Joseph’s Remarkable Season Earns Him All-Pro Recognition Despite Missing Pro Bowl
Despite an incredible season, including leading the NFL with nine interceptions, Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph didn’t receive a Pro Bowl nod. However, his stellar performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named to the prestigious Associated Press All-Pro Team on Friday. This recognition solidifies Joseph’s place among the league’s best and ensures his career season won’t go uncelebrated.
Joseph’s Impressive Stats: A Standout Safety
At just 24 years old, Kerby Joseph put together a career-defining season. Not only did he lead the NFL with nine interceptions—one of which he returned for a touchdown—but he also recorded a career-high 83 tackles and 12 passes defended. Joseph’s ability to shut down opposing offenses while also contributing significantly to the Lions’ defensive success earned him the highest safety grade by Pro Football Focus for the regular season. His impact was undeniable, and this All-Pro selection is a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable achievements.
Lions’ Rising Stars: Sewell, St. Brown, and Fox
Joseph wasn’t the only Lion to earn All-Pro honors this season. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and punter Jack Fox also received the prestigious nod, highlighting the strong core of young talent emerging from Detroit.
Penei Sewell, 24, continues to cement his reputation as one of the most dominant tackles in the NFL. In his fourth season, Sewell allowed just one sack in over 600 pass-blocking reps while also excelling in the run game, contributing to the Lions’ record-setting 29 rushing touchdowns. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him pound-for-pound one of the best athletes in the league.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, 25, is no stranger to All-Pro honors, having earned a spot for the second consecutive year. The wide receiver finished the season with 115 receptions, 1,263 yards, and 12 touchdowns, becoming just the third player in NFL history to record at least 115 receptions and 10 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. His consistency and ability to perform in clutch moments make him one of the league’s premier receivers.
Jack Fox, 28, has been a standout punter for the Lions, earning First-Team All-Pro honors after previously being named to the Second Team in 2020. Fox set an NFL record this season with a 46.2-yard net punting average and became the first punter in NFL history to average at least 51.0 gross punting yards with a net of at least 46.0 yards in a season. His leg strength and precision make him one of the best punters in the game.
Second-Team All-Pro Honors: Raymond and Ragnow Shine
In addition to the First-Team All-Pro selections, two more Lions earned recognition: punt returner Kalif Raymond and center Frank Ragnow. Raymond, 30, has been a standout in the return game since joining Detroit in 2021. His 13.8-yard average per punt return ranked third in the NFL, and he even returned one for a touchdown against Tennessee. Raymond also contributed on offense, catching 17 passes and two touchdowns, proving his versatility.
Frank Ragnow, 28, is one of the most consistent and reliable centers in the NFL. For the third time, he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier offensive lineman. Ragnow’s football IQ and preparation have been key to the Lions’ impressive offensive line, which ranked among the Top 10 in the NFL for fewest sacks allowed. His 90.8 grade as a run blocker (third among centers) by PFF further underscores his elite status.
Detroit Lions’ Bright Future
With multiple players receiving All-Pro recognition, the future is looking incredibly bright for the Detroit Lions. The team’s young core of stars, including Joseph, Sewell, St. Brown, and others, is poised to lead the Lions into a new era of success. As these players continue to develop and reach new heights, the Lions’ chances of contending for a playoff spot—and possibly even a Super Bowl—grow stronger with each season.
In conclusion, while Kerby Joseph’s absence from the Pro Bowl may have been disappointing, his selection to the All-Pro Team affirms his place among the NFL’s elite. Along with his teammates, Joseph’s standout performance is part of a larger movement within Detroit’s roster, signaling that the Lions are on the rise and ready to compete at the highest level for years to come.