BROOKLYN, MI – Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has never been to a NASCAR race before – but he’s getting the full experience at Michigan International Speedway.
Joseph is the grand marshal for the Sunday, June 8, FireKeepers Casino 400. That comes with a handful of perks, including giving the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command.
The All-Pro safety also got a ride in a Corvette around the track before the race.
“Hey, that thing goes fast,” Joseph said. “That was my first time on the track, for real, so I could really feel the pull. … That was amazing.”
Next time, he’d like to drive his own vehicle on the track, a Durango SRT.
“(It) ain’t nothing like the ‘vette, though,” Joseph said.
The fourth-year player was all smiles at MIS Sunday morning. He came with a group of friends, including Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey – who watched Joseph’s press conference from the back of the media room.
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400
Grand Marshal and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph speaks to reporters before the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on Sunday, June 8, 2025.Ayrton Breckenridge | MLive.com
Who on the Lions would be a good NASCAR driver? Joseph pointed to himself.
“For sure I’ll be behind the wheel, if anything,” Joseph said. “If we’ve got to get out of a jam with something … (laughs).”
Regarding football, Joseph is enthusiastic after the team went 15-2 in 2024, despite losing its only playoff game.
“The team’s looking good, man,” Joseph said.
Detroit will have to adjust after losing its offensive and defensive coordinators in the offseason. The team also learned this week that star center Frank Ragnow will be retiring, leaving a hole on the offensive line.
Joseph said Coach Dan Campbell will be deliberate to help shape and mold rookie Tate Ratledge, who could be Ragnow’s replacement.
MORE:‘Elite to good’: How Ragnow’s retirement reshapes Detroit Lions OL
Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 starts at 2 p.m. on Prime Video.
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