Lions’ Kerby Joseph on Criticism for Hit on Tyler Higbee: ‘Used to Being the Villain’

Julia StumbaughJanuary 19, 2024

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph says he isn’t fazed by criticism regarding his low hit that injured Rams tight end Tyler Higbee’s knee during the Lions’ 24-23 wild-card victory Sunday.

“It’s cool. I’m used to being the villain,” Joseph said Thursday, per the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett (h/t Yahoo Sports.)

Joseph added that he “just wanted to make a tackle, really.”

“People are going to say what they say. I’m just here to do my job,” Joseph said.

Higbee suffered a torn ACL after a low hit from Joseph in the fourth quarter.

The incident happened less than a month after Rams tight end T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in December following a similar hit from Joseph in Week 16.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was heard on a mic during the game calling Joseph “dirty as f–k” following the hit.

“It’s been on tape. I’ve seen it,” Stafford told Joseph.

“All seriousness… this game we play is very dangerous,” Joseph wrote, adding that he didn’t have any intention to hurt anyone “or harm their career.”

Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone responded to Joseph’s post on X.

“Don’t even need to comment on it,” Anzalone wrote. “It’s how the league office asks us to tackle.”

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell also backed Joseph after the game.

“That’s how we play football here; just keep your head up, see what you hit,” Campbell said after the game, per the Detroit News’ Justin Rogers. “That will always be what I tell Kerby. Just keep your eyes up so you don’t hit on the crown of your helmet.”

“You (compress) your spine, you mess yourself up there. Just see what you hit. No, he’s going for the thigh board and staying away from the head. That’s how we play defense here—not dirty, it’s just where we hit.”

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterRams believe TE Tyler Higbee tore his ACL after absorbing a low hit from Detroit safety Kerby Joseph, per sources. There will be additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/ZnojOTMwci

The Lions’ win over the Rams marked the first playoff appearance of Joseph’s career. He made two solo tackles and one pass defensed in the victory.

Joseph will be expected to play Sunday in a divisional-round contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hockenson and Higbee, on the other hand, could begin next season on the Rams’ physically unable to perform list.