Former Illini Kerby Joseph signs multi-year contract extension with the Lions

Kerby Joseph is one of the Illini’s most prominent, successful players in the NFL. The Orlando, Florida native started games for the Detroit Lions from the get-go of his young NFL career and quickly became an All-Pro safety. During the 2024 season, Kerby Joseph led the NFL in interceptions with nine total. Most recently, the Detroit Lions announced that Joseph has signed a contract extension with the team until the 2029 season. Per reports, Joseph signed a 4 year, 86 million contract. This monster deal makes the former Illini the highest-paid safety in the entire NFL.

For a player who was buried on the Illinois depth chart and bouncing around between positions under Lovie Smith, this is as much of a feel-good story as any.

Joseph was a sudden sensation

Joseph was playing reps as a backup wide receiver under Lovie Smith’s coaching staff. Even as Bret Bielema, Aaron Henry, and Ryan Walters came to town, Joseph was still playing backup reps, this time at the safety position. As the Illini were getting blown out at Virginia, Joseph found the field, and the rest is history. After an athletic interception, Joseph started to earn the coach’s trust.

He then started the rest of the season and recorded 57 tackles, five interceptions, two pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. This production helped earn All-Big Ten First Team honors.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.

Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! Furthermore, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.