Former Illinois Football stars Kerby Joseph and Devon Witherspoon reunited during the Monday Night Football game involving the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks.
Both former Illini are highly productive starters for their respective defenses and have quickly become relevant secondary pieces in the NFL. Joseph recorded nine tackles, one pass deflection, and one interception. Witherspoon contributed with his trademark physicality and recorded four tackles and one QB hit.
Kerby Joseph
Stats vs Seattle in MNF: 9 tackles, 5 solo tackles, an INT and a PBU.
Joseph’s play seems to age like fine wine. Throughout his career at Illinois, Illini fans watched Kerby progress and take off under the wing of then-DB coach Aaron Henry. In just 36 total games, Kerby has proven himself as a ballhawk in the NFC North, snagging 11 interceptions, and 179 tackles
Devon Witherspoon
Stats vs Detroit in MNF: 4 tackles, 3 Solo
Witherspoon was really impressive during a breakout rookie season for Seattle. Following his selection as the fifth overall pick, Devon was the first DB in Seattle Seahawk history since 1999 to record 16 passes defensed, 3 sacks, 8 TFLs, and a pick-6 in a single season. Additionally, Witherspoon racked up 71 tackles (48 solo) on his road to becoming a Pro bowler.
Thus far, Witherspoon has only allowed 8 completions on 15 targets for 44 yards in 2024, earning a PFF grade of 70.8 overall. Certainly, a seemingly bright future is ahead for the former Illinois Football star.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________