Kerby Joseph isn’t just a standout safety for the Detroit Lions; he’s a captivating personality. Fresh off leading the NFL in interceptions in 2024 and earning All-Pro honors, Joseph recently sat down with Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show to discuss his journey, his love for the game, and what it’s like playing for the Lions. From hilarious putting anecdotes to heartfelt stories about his past, Joseph offered fans a glimpse into the life of one of Detroit’s rising stars. We’ll break down some of the best moments from the interview.
From Putts to Picks
The Mystery of the Missed Putt
The interview kicked off with a humorous exchange about Joseph’s pre-show putting practice. Eisen noticed Joseph rolling putts on the set and playfully called him out for missing a short one. Joseph, quick on his feet, explained he was simply demonstrating the missed putts he often sees on TV, complete with the frustrated reactions of the golfers. It was a lighthearted way to start the conversation and showed Joseph’s playful side.
Top Golf Tales
It turns out Joseph enjoys a bit of Top Golf in his spare time. He admitted he doesn’t measure his drives in yardage, but rather in Top Golf points. His goal? To hit the service cart driving by. He even tries to bet his “dogs” (friends) that he can do it. According to Joseph, he’s the best Top Golfer on the Detroit Lions, and when asked about his teammate, he claims “Brick” isn’t very good.
Journey to the NFL
The Illinois Connection
How does a guy from Orlando, Florida, end up playing college football in Champaign, Illinois? For Joseph, it was all about family. He received an official visit invite and immediately connected with Jamal “Bobo” and Bobby. The sense of brotherhood he felt with them was the deciding factor. Sadly, Bobby has since passed away, but his memory continues to inspire Joseph.
Big Ten Mentality
The Big Ten Conference is known for its tough, physical style of play. For Joseph, his favorite part about playing in the Big Ten was the mentality it instilled in him. Coming from sunny Florida, he had to adjust to the cold weather. Even though Dion Sanders famously avoided cold weather teams throughout his career, Joseph isn’t fazed, declaring that the cold won’t stop him from getting a pick.
Breaking Down the Pick Six
The Play
Let’s rewind to that amazing play where Joseph intercepted Jordan Love and took it to the house. He described the play in detail, explaining that it was a blitz call from then-defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn (now head coach of the New York Jets). Joseph was initially late on the blitz but kept going full speed. Alex Anzalone pressured Love, and Joseph found himself in the right place at the right time, snagging the interception and running it in for a touchdown, thanks to a key block from Levi Onwuzurike. If you want to see more of his interceptions, check out this Kerby Joseph interception list.
Celebrating the Moment
The best part about a pick six? The celebration! Joseph admitted he’s quick to celebrate after an interception. Arms out, running towards the end zone, and then looking around to make sure there are no flags – pure joy!
First Game
Kerby Joseph’s first NFL game was at Ford Field against the Seattle Seahawks. This was a significant moment, marking the start of his professional career with the Detroit Lions.
Draft Night Memories
The Draft Experience
Draft night is a whirlwind of emotions. Joseph spent his draft night in an Airbnb in Orlando, surrounded by family. The uncertainty of where he’d be drafted was nerve-wracking. He heard everything from the second round to the sixth round!
The Detroit Call
Before the Detroit Lions called, Joseph said a prayer, asking to be drafted. When he opened his eyes, his phone was ringing with a 313 area code. It felt like a sign.
Dan Campbell’s Call
What did Dan Campbell say to Joseph after the Lions drafted him? “You know how to cook?” Classic Campbell! Joseph was overflowing with joy and ready to get to Detroit.
97 Strong
There was even more meaning to being drafted as the 97th overall pick. It was the same number as his late friend, Bobby, who had a “97 Strong” initiative to motivate kids in the hospital after becoming paralyzed. Joseph visits the 97-yard line before every game to pray and honor Bobby’s memory.
Coach Campbell and Coach Glenn
Dan Campbell
Dan Campbell is larger than life. Joseph shared a funny story about Campbell blocking the sun during practice because he’s so big. But it’s not just his size; it’s his ability to inspire. Joseph said Campbell’s speeches give him chills and make him want to do anything for his coach.
Aaron Glenn
Aaron Glenn’s departure to become the Jets’ head coach stings. Joseph misses him. Glenn’s strength lies in his ability to teach and relate to players. He understands where they’re coming from and can explain things in a way that makes sense. Glenn’s key coaching qualities included:
- Understanding players
- Relating to players
- Versatile teaching methods
The New Contract
Signing the Deal
Signing a new contract is a dream come true. Joseph’s biggest fear? Messing up his signature! The moment was filled with gratitude and prayer. Before signing, Joseph said he just wanted to say thank you. To understand more about his contract, this article breaks down Kerby Joseph contract breakdown.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Schedule Predictions
With the schedule release looming, Joseph was asked who he wanted to play first. His list included:
- Chicago
- Baltimore
- Minnesota
- Cleveland
- Philadelphia
- Green Bay
- New York
- Cincinnati
- Kansas City
- Commanders
QB Targets
Who’s getting picked off in 2025? Joseph is confident he’ll have multiple interception games. He’s even eyeing that NFL record of 14 interceptions in a single season!
Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Could “Tuesdays with Kerby” become a regular thing on The Rich Eisen Show? Maybe! And a Top Golf outing with Eisen is definitely in the cards.
Kerby Joseph’s appearance on The Rich Eisen Show was a fun and insightful look into the life of a Detroit Lions star. From his putting skills (or lack thereof) to his heartfelt stories about family and football, Joseph proved that he’s more than just a great player; he’s a great person. His journey, marked by dedication and faith, continues to inspire. As he steps onto the field each game, honoring his friend Bobby and playing with unmatched passion, Kerby Joseph embodies the spirit of the Detroit Lions. Keep up with all things Detroit Lions at MotownLions.com.