The choice course of for the NFL Professional Bowl is at all times a subjective, argument-inducing dilemma that yearly leaves out deserving gamers. This 12 months, nonetheless, I really feel the necessity to level a evident omission.
Detroit Lions defensive again Kerby Joseph being snubbed for the NFL Professional Bowl hits onerous regionally, but it surely goes far past any sentimental ties Joseph might should the Orlando neighborhood as a product of Jones Excessive. Joseph has confirmed himself to be the most effective robust security within the league.
Joseph might have been returning to his residence area at Tenting World Stadium to play within the Professional Bowl Video games, which happen every week earlier than the Feb. 9 Tremendous Bowl in New Orleans. The Lions are the No. 1 seed within the NFC and are a favourite to advance, which might’ve led Joseph to say no the invite anyway.
When the NFL Professional Bowl roster was launched Thursday, Joseph, who led the NFL in interceptions with 9 throughout the common season, was not included. Apparently, he isn’t even thought-about the most effective security on his personal crew. Fellow security and teammate Brian Department, who is also deserving, was chosen.
It’s a grievous omission that might change as gamers resolve to decide out of taking part in within the recreation, however for Joseph to be left off the preliminary roster is ludicrous. Not solely does he lead the league in picks however blows away all different NFL defensive backs within the Anticipated Factors Added ratio, which charges groups as having minus-55.3% probability of including factors when concentrating on Joseph with passing performs. That’s almost 30% higher than the subsequent closest defensive again, Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean at minus-28.3.
Joseph has a league-leading 4 end-zone interceptions and he graded out as the most effective protection security within the NFL, in line with Professional Soccer Focus.
Joseph was the main vote-getter amongst followers. When it got here to the gamers, nonetheless, apparently Matthew Stafford’s accusation that Joseph is a “soiled participant” tainted the third-year professional.
Throughout a recreation final season, the L.A. Rams quarterback was caught on video calling out Joseph after a low hit in opposition to tight finish Tyler Higbee. The video went viral and now Joseph has a status.
It was a bang-bang play that might hardly be thought-about a grimy, concentrating on sort of play with intent to injure contemplating the motion of each gamers. Nonetheless, Joseph is now a league pariah.
Joseph earned a little bit little bit of revenge this season when he picked off Stafford in the long run zone throughout the Lions’ 26-20 victory in September.
Orlando can have fun two gamers who did make the Professional Bowl roster. Each hail from Apopka. Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Trey Hendrickson was chosen for the second straight 12 months, and Philadelphia Eagles defensive deal with Jalen Carter was chosen to his first Professional Bowl.
Winter Park’s Layla Jefferson is all-American
Winter Park has an All-American to have fun in senior Layla Jefferson. She performs flag soccer for the Wildcats within the spring season and was chosen to play within the first Below Armour Ladies Flag Soccer All-American recreation.
“Pleasure is an understatement,” Jefferson stated about her response when she discovered she was chosen as one of many nation’s high 100 gamers. “I used to be thrilled. You might not have advised me two months in the past that I might be the place I’m at proper now. It’s like my work ethic is getting seen, in order that felt superb to get that field within the mail.”
Till Jefferson was notified she didn’t know Below Armour organized a women recreation to be performed at the side of the boys All-American occasion. Each video games had been performed on Thursday at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.
Jefferson took half within the Below Armour Future 50 camp in Bradenton final summer season, so she had an concept that her expertise was acknowledged.
“However I didn’t know there was a recreation,” she stated. “That was superb to know.”
She was instrumental in Winter Park’s 2022 undefeated common season with 12 interceptions.
Final season Winter Park was 11-5, which was disappointing. However along with going out with a bang as a senior, Jefferson has even greater targets.
“I might like to go to varsity for flag soccer and I might like to go to the Olympics,” Jefferson stated.
Flag soccer for ladies and men can be Olympic occasions for the primary time on the 2028 Summer season Olympics in Los Angeles.
“That one thing I’ve actually been enthusiastic about,” she stated. “That chance can be superb to have the ability to go on the market and present my expertise and what I’ve put into it for a sport that wasn’t even getting seen once I began taking part in.”
The NCAA has not but sanctioned women flag soccer as a scholarship sport, however the momentum to achieve the standing is absolutely in movement. Golf equipment groups dot faculty campuses throughout the nation. The NAIA has been a frontrunner in recognizing women flag soccer as a small-college crew sport and there are 5 groups in Florida at Florida Memorial (Miami Gardens), Keiser (West Palm Seashore), St. Thomas (Miami), Warner (Lake Wales) and Webber Worldwide (Babson Park).
“I might like to take flag to the subsequent degree, undoubtedly in faculty and in addition after faculty, taking part in teaching … simply in that setting,” Jefferson stated. “There are a few colleges that wish to watch me play. This was not part of my plan once I was taking a look at my future three years in the past, however any alternative that’s given to me I’ll take.”
Whereas she is aware of the boys have their factor with deal with soccer, she doesn’t suppose boys ought to keep of their lane and never be concerned in flag. The Professional Bowl Video games includes a flag rendition of the common deal with recreation.
“Flag is for everybody. So you’ll be able to play flag when you’re 50 or when you’re 30. You possibly can play if you’re 12. Generally the one outlet may very well be flag, so why not take the chance?” she stated. “Individuals ought to be capable of play irrespective of the gender, the colour, the race. If it’s there, why not take it?”
She entertains the thought of co-ed competitors.
“I might like to play in opposition to boys. Boys underestimate women a lot and we will undoubtedly be up there with males,” Jefferson stated.
For now she’s going to embrace her position as a groundbreaking member of the women flag soccer motion.
“I by no means in my life thought that I might be pioneering this sport,” she stated. “It’s a tremendous feeling.”
Chris Hays could be discovered on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.