Former Bears cornerback Michael Joseph spent four years on the Chicago roster before taking his talents to the XFL.
Now playing for the DC Defenders, Joseph has quickly become a fan favorite and a serious contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
The University of Dubuque (Iowa) product has recorded four interceptions in five games, taking two to the house for touchdowns. He has also notched 20 tackles. Only Houston Roughnecks defensive back Ajene Harris has more interceptions with five.
Following a 28-20 win over the St. Louis Battlehawks, the Defenders sit atop the XFL as the only undefeated team (5-0).
Joseph’s road to XFL stardom has gone through ups and downs. Coming from a Division III school in one of the most exhilarating conferences in the country, Joseph entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
On the Bears, Joseph bounced back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster. He saw most of his action in preseason contests before being released before the regular season. Each offseason, he was one of the first signings to rejoin the team on another year-to-year deal. Finally, in 2021 he played three snaps on defense and six on special teams.
As one of the XFL’s best defensive backs, Joseph will likely find his way back to the NFL soon. At 28 years old, with little wear and tear, he has plenty of playing time left in his career. Coincidentally, the Bears are in need of some depth, rotational players at cornerback, but a reunion is improbable.
The XFL regular season has five remaining games before the semifinal playoffs on April 29 and April 30.
The championship game will air at 7 p.m. CST on Saturday, May 13, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
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