The Detroit Lions will have strong representation when the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters are announced Thursday, but one notable omission might be the biggest snub of the year.
Lions safety Kerby Joseph, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions, was left off the NFC Pro Bowl roster, according to the Free Press on Wednesday night. Despite topping fan voting at free safety, Joseph was not selected, with Xavier McKinney of the Green Bay Packers, Camryn Bynum of the Minnesota Vikings, and Reed Blankenship of the Philadelphia Eagles receiving the nod instead.
Meanwhile, Lions safety Brian Branch, who ranked second in fan votes at strong safety, earned a Pro Bowl selection. Fan, player, and coach votes each contribute one-third to the final decision.
On Wednesday night, Joseph responded with a wordless tweet, sharing a confused reaction GIF.
Joseph is third on the Lions with 76 tackles and leads safeties with 12 pass deflections, tying for the league lead. He recorded two interceptions in Monday’s win against the San Francisco 49ers, with a third overturned by penalty—the second such instance this season.
“My superpower is taking the ball away,” Joseph said Monday, emphasizing his goal to lead the league in interceptions for 2024.
McKinney, a likely Pro Bowl selection, holds the second-highest interception total at seven.
“I envisioned this,” Joseph said. “I knew it would happen. I didn’t put a number on it—I just wanted to stand out. I want to be great, not just good. I want to earn that gold jacket one day, and I’ll keep improving every year.”
Joseph, 24, was a third-round Lions pick in 2022 from Illinois, recording four interceptions in each of his first two seasons.
Branch, a second-round selection in 2023 from Alabama, has four interceptions and 103 tackles in 15 games this season.
