Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is no stranger to controversy, and his recent post on social media makes that clear.
After being left off the
2025 Pro Bowl roster, Joseph took to Instagram with a direct, NSFW message targeting former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Many believe that Joseph’s reputation as a “dirty” player may have influenced the decision to exclude him from the Pro Bowl, despite his standout performance this season.
The friction between Joseph and Stafford dates back to a playoff game from last year, where Stafford was caught on microphones criticizing Joseph’s playing style.
“Hey! Hey! Hey, that’s a good hit. That’s a good hit, (but) you’re dirty as [censored], though, and you know it,” Stafford was heard saying. “You’re dirty as [censored]. It’s been on tape. I’ve seen it. Hey, it’s been on tape.”
Stafford’s remarks seemed to highlight Joseph’s physical, aggressive playstyle, which has been described by fans and analysts as sometimes bordering on illegal.
Joseph’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl, despite leading the league with nine interceptions, prompted him to post an all-caps, NSFW message on Instagram: “F**k Stafford.”
Many believe that Joseph’s controversial reputation, fueled by moments like the playoff incident, played a part in his absence from the Pro Bowl roster.
Although Joseph’s intense style of play has earned admiration from his teammates and coaches, it seems that the league’s perception of him may have negatively impacted the voting process.
Joseph’s response to both Stafford’s criticism and his Pro Bowl snub demonstrates that the safety remains unfazed by the opinions of others.
Rather than focusing on the controversy, Joseph is determined to continue proving himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive players.
With his outstanding season, including leading the NFL in interceptions and being a serious contender for Defensive Player of the Year, Joseph is clearly driven to silence the doubters.
As the season progresses, Joseph’s bold post could serve as further motivation. If nothing else, it shows that he’s fully aware of how he is perceived around the league but remains focused on ensuring his performance is the ultimate statement.
Joseph’s ability to turn criticism into fuel for success is becoming a hallmark of his career.
