Kerby Joseph isn’t just playing for paychecks — he’s playing for greatness. And now, after signing a historic new deal with the Detroit Lions, the star safety is one step closer to reaching his ultimate dream: earning a gold jacket and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On the heels of a breakout All-Pro season, Joseph inked a four-year, $86 million extension, keeping him in Detroit through the 2029 season. The deal makes him the highest-paid safety in NFL history — and Joseph is treating the moment like much more than a contract.
“It means everything. I feel like it strives toward my goal of me one day putting on the gold jacket,” Joseph said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “This is a huge, huge milestone in my career. If everyone truly heard my story, the stuff I had to go through to get here … I just feel so blessed.”
Driven by Passion, Not Paychecks
Despite the historic money, Joseph insists the motivation has never been about dollar signs. For him, football is personal.
“Honestly, the money never motivated me. I do this because I love it,” he shared. “It comes with it, but I really play this game because I love it. I just have a certain passion for this game I can never let go.”
That mindset has fueled Joseph’s rise from a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to one of the most feared defensive backs in the game. His nine interceptions in 2024 led the league and earned him First-Team All-Pro honors.
Eyes Set on 2025 and Beyond
Now with a new deal in hand and his place on the team locked in, Joseph isn’t planning to slow down. In fact, he’s raising the bar for himself.
“Now I’m trying to PR. I’ve got nine, now I’ve got to get 10, get some sacks in there,” Joseph said with a smile. “I’m always gonna strive for greatness, strive to beat records. It’s only up from here.”
If Joseph keeps this pace — and this passion — there’s no telling where the ceiling is. Detroit found a gem in the Illinois product, and now they’ve secured him for the long haul.
