The Detroit Lions’ remarkable 2024 season earned them a dominant presence in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, with seven players selected and 11 named as alternates. However, the celebration was overshadowed by one glaring omission: safety Kerby Joseph, who many believe was unfairly left off the roster despite having an elite season.
Lions lead NFC Pro Bowl selections
Detroit’s seven Pro Bowl selections are the most among NFC teams, cementing their powerhouse status this season. Representing the Lions are running back Jahmyr Gibbs, center Frank Ragnow, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, right tackle Penei Sewell, quarterback Jared Goff, safety Brian Branch, and punter Jack Fox. Gibbs and Branch were honored as reserves, while the others were named starters.
The Lions trail only the Baltimore Ravens (nine selections) in total Pro Bowl representation, highlighting their rise as one of the league’s elite teams.
The Forgetfulness of Kerby Joseph: A Pro Bowl Transvestite
Although the Lions have much to celebrate, Kerby Joseph’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl has drawn heavy criticism. Statistically, Joseph is having a season that ranks among the best for safeties in NFL history. He leads the league with nine interceptions and ranks second among safeties with 12 passes defensed. His Pro Football Focus grades—90.7 overall and 91.5 in coverage—are the highest at his position, and his run defense grade of 82.6 ranks him 13th.
In raw coverage stats, Joseph has allowed a league-best 59.3% completion rate and is seventh in passer rating allowed among safeties who have played at least 80% of coverage snaps.
Despite these impressive numbers, Joseph was not selected due to player and coach votes, which account for two-thirds of the Pro Bowl selection process. Among fans, Joseph was the top vote-getter at the free safety position, highlighting the disconnect between public perception and internal league evaluations.
Lions depth shines with 11 subs
Detroit’s dominance goes beyond its seven Pro Bowlers. Eleven other Lions were named as replacements, including standout players like tight end Sam LaPorta, guard Kevin Zeitler and linebacker Jack Campbell. Kalif Raymond (return specialist), kicker Jake Bates and defensive linemen Alim McNeill and DJ Reader also highlight the Lions’ depth.
This wealth of talent reflects Detroit’s transformation into one of the most balanced and formidable teams in the NFL, with stars on both sides of the ball.
Largest NFC representation and Pro Bowl game prospects
The Lions’ Pro Bowl representation, which leads the NFC, ties them with the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles, who each have six selections. The Pro Bowl Games, which replaced the traditional All-Star Game, will feature skills competitions throughout the week and a flag football matchup on Feb. 2 in Orlando. Lions Pro Bowl players will play key roles in showcasing their skills on a national stage.
A Season of Redemption and Recognition
For Detroit, the Pro Bowl honors cap a season that redefined their franchise’s narrative. Once plagued by mediocrity, the Lions have become a model of success and resilience, with Pro Bowl caliber players emerging throughout their roster. Yet Joseph’s oversight serves as a reminder that even in a season of triumph, the NFL’s evaluation process remains imperfect.
As the Lions turn their attention to the postseason, Kerby Joseph’s absence from the Pro Bowl roster could fuel their desire to prove doubters wrong—and solidify Detroit’s case as a team to watch during the playoffs.
