Michigan International Speedway announced today that Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has been named the grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400. The defensive star will give the command to start engines during pre-race ceremonies on June 8.
“It’s an honor to have Kerby serve as our grand marshal, especially with all the Detroit Lions fans that will be attending the FireKeepers Casino 400,” said Joe Fowler, Michigan International Speedway President. “It’s no secret that the Lions are coming off their best season in franchise history and we know that Kerby is going to replicate that pride and energy when giving the command to start engines here in just a couple weeks at MIS.”
Joseph was drafted in the third round (97th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft after finishing his collegiate career at the University of Illinois. Joseph spent most of his time as a reserve defensive back during his first three seasons but was named a starter week 4 of his senior season. He was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference in 2021 finishing the season with 57 tackles, one sack, three fumble recoveries and five interceptions.
The Detroit Lions signed Joseph to a four-year, $5.04 million dollar contract in 2022. Joseph became an integral piece of the Lions revamped defense immediately. He earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award after a matchup with the Green Bay Packers where he recorded 10 combined tackles (five solo) and two interceptions in a 15-9 win, becoming the first player in NFL History to intercept Aaron Rodgers three times in a single season.
In 2023, the Lions finished first in the NFC North with a 12-5 record and clinched a playoff berth. Joseph and the Lions had playoff victories over the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before falling just short of the Super Bowl in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. Joseph would go on to make history with the Lions in 2024 after finishing first in the NFC North again with a 15-2 record, including being the first team in franchise history to go undefeated on the road and securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history.
Joseph finished with nine interceptions in 2024, making him the NFL interceptions leader that season. He also started all 17 games for the first time in his career, finishing with 83 combined tackles (58 solo), 12 pass deflections, and a touchdown to go along with being named First-Team All-Pro. Joseph recently signed a four-year, $86 million dollar contract extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
“Detroit sports fans bring unmatched energy to everything they do, and I know it’s about to be ZUPER!! crazy at Michigan International Speedway for real,” said Joseph. “Going from picking off quarterbacks to giving the command to start engines is definitely a change of pace but man, I’m bringing that same intensity to race day! It’s a blessing to represent the Lions and connect with our amazing fans in a different environment. One Pride everywhere we go!”
The June race weekend at Michigan International Speedway begins with the ARCA Menards Series Henry Ford Health 200 on Friday, June 6, followed by the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics on Saturday, June 7. The NASCAR Cup Series will cap off the weekend’s action with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 8.
— Michigan International Speedway —