Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates before the Denver Broncos game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Photo Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph responded Thursday to those who are calling him a dirty player.
Joseph has been the target of animosity from fans and players of both the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. His low hits have resulted in torn knee ligaments and season-ending injuries for tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Tyler Higbee.
Matthew Stafford called Joseph dirty for his hit on Higbee in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs on Sunday.
Matthew Stafford had the receipts for Kerby Joseph after his hit on Tyler Higbee pic.twitter.com/9GZqagxuM4
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 18, 2024
Joseph has seen the accusations and responded by saying he is used to being “the villain.”
Lions S Kerby Joseph not worried about criticism from low hit: ‘Used to being the villain’ https://t.co/HDZl4qeyKJ via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 18, 2024
Joseph also said he was unsure why Stafford was mad at him. Joseph added that he celebrated after making his tackle before realizing that Higbee had been injured on the play.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell received questions about Joseph and defended the safety.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell on Kerby Joseph being labeled dirty: “That’s how we play football here. Just keep your head up, see what you hit. That’ll always be what I tell Kerby. … He’s going for the thigh board and staying away from the head. That’s how we play defense here. It’s… https://t.co/N4NCrhXyh4 pic.twitter.com/e92Lm63vpf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 18, 2024
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn also defended Joseph’s play.
Just as Dan Campbell defended Kerby Joseph yesterday, Aaron Glenn did the same today.
“Kerby plays football, and we are going to continue to pray football. We don’t care what anybody else has to say”
We all got your back Kerb! 🔥😤#Lions #AllGrit | @JKERB25 pic.twitter.com/qfOeZS1dDC
— FυɛӀɛժ ву мσтσωη (@FueledByMotown) January 18, 2024
Joseph has had 163 tackles and 8 interceptions over the last two seasons — not bad for a third-round pick.