The Detroit Lions’ remarkable 2024 season has earned them a commanding presence in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, with seven players selected and 11 named as alternates. However, the celebration has been overshadowed by one glaring omission: safety Kerby Joseph, who many believe was unjustly left off the roster despite an elite season.
Lions Lead NFC Pro Bowl Selections
Detroit’s seven Pro Bowl selections are the most among NFC teams, cementing their status as a powerhouse 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 rest were named starters.
The Lions trail only the Baltimore Ravens (nine selections) in total Pro Bowl representation, highlighting their ascent as one of the league’s elite teams.
The Kerby Joseph Snub: A Pro Bowl Travesty
While the Lions have plenty to celebrate, Kerby Joseph’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl has drawn widespread 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 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 eye-popping numbers, Joseph didn’t make the cut due to the players’ and coaches’ votes, which count for two-thirds of the Pro Bowl selection process. Among fans, Joseph was the top vote-getter at free safety, underscoring the disconnect between public perception and internal league evaluations.
Lions’ Depth Shines with 11 Alternates
Detroit’s dominance extends beyond their seven Pro Bowlers. Eleven more Lions were named as alternates, 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 D.J. Reader also highlight the Lions’ depth.
This wealth of talent reflects Detroit’s transformation into one of the NFL’s most balanced and formidable teams, with stars on both sides of the ball.
Biggest NFC Representation and Pro Bowl Games Outlook
The Lions’ NFC-leading Pro Bowl representation ties them with the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles, who each earned six selections. The Pro Bowl Games, which replaced the traditional all-star game, will feature weeklong skill competitions and a flag football showdown on February 2 in Orlando. The Lions’ Pro Bowlers will play pivotal 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 has redefined their franchise’s narrative. Once mired in mediocrity, the Lions have become a model of success and resilience, with Pro Bowl-caliber players emerging across their roster. Yet, Joseph’s snub serves as a reminder that even in a season of triumph, the NFL’s evaluation process remains imperfect.
As the Lions turn their focus to the postseason, Kerby Joseph’s absence from the Pro Bowl roster may fuel his fire to prove the doubters wrong—and solidify Detroit’s case as a team to watch in the playoffs.
