Kelvin Joseph Bio
Kelvin Joseph Jr (born November 11, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback. Standing 5 ft 11 in and listed at 197 lb, he is currently a member of the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL), a spring football league. A second-round NFL draft pick in 2021, he has spent time with several professional organizations across the National Football League (NFL) before continuing his career in the UFL.
Early Life and Background
Kelvin Joseph Jr grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he attended Scotlandville Magnet High School. He developed into one of the top defensive backs in the state, recording 67 tackles, 3 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 12 pass breakups as a junior while helping his team win the Class 5A state championship. He earned All-District, District 4-5A Co-Defensive MVP, All-Metro and Class 5A All-State honors that season.
As a senior, Joseph produced 113 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions, repeating as a Class 5A All-State selection. He also played in the All-American Bowl, a showcase for the country’s top high school seniors. Over the course of his high school career, he scored 13 combined touchdowns on punt, kickoff and interception returns. In addition to football, he practiced basketball, where his teammate included Javonte Smart, a future NBA player.
Path to American Football
Joseph committed to play college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), choosing the Tigers over offers from Alabama, Florida State, Auburn and Florida. He joined a Tigers program that won the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. As a true freshman in 2018, he appeared in 11 games, posting 12 tackles and a pass breakup, including 4 tackles against the University of Mississippi.
After being suspended from playing in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl for a violation of team rules, Joseph entered the transfer portal before withdrawing his name and returning to LSU for spring practice. He re-entered the portal in July 2019 and announced his transfer to the University of Kentucky the following month. He sat out his sophomore year under NCAA transfer rules, then started nine games as a redshirt sophomore in 2020, finishing with 25 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass breakup and four interceptions. He opted out of Kentucky’s final regular-season game to focus on the 2021 NFL draft.
Kelvin Joseph Career
Dallas Cowboys (2021–2022)
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kelvin Joseph Jr with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on June 10, 2021, missed most of organized team activities after contracting COVID-19 and suffered a groin injury in the final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Placed on injured reserve to start the year, he was activated on October 30 and spent most of his rookie season on special teams. He started the final two games, including a finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, and finished the year with 13 tackles, 2 pass breakups and 2 special teams tackles in 10 appearances.
In 2022, Joseph remained a core special teams contributor while competing for a larger defensive role. He saw extended defensive snaps after injuries to teammate cornerbacks, including a game against the Green Bay Packers and a mid-game appearance against the Indianapolis Colts. He started against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was benched after surrendering two touchdowns. On special teams, he forced a fumble on a punt return in the NFC Divisional playoff round against the San Francisco 49ers. He closed the season with 13 defensive tackles, 2 pass breakups, a forced fumble and 7 special teams tackles across 16 games.
Journeyman Years (2023–2024)
On August 29, 2023, the Cowboys traded Kelvin Joseph Jr to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. He appeared in four games as a backup with Miami, recording 2 tackles, before being released on November 14. The Seattle Seahawks signed him to their practice squad on November 26, 2023, and elevated him to the active roster for a Week 16 game against the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded one tackle. He was released from the practice squad on January 15, 2024.
On January 17, 2024, Joseph signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, and later earned a Super Bowl ring when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. He was waived on August 26 and joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 10, 2024. After brief stints with the Colts and the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, his NFL regular-season resume grew to 39 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 4 pass deflections.
DC Defenders Era (2025–Present)
On February 24, 2025, Kelvin Joseph Jr signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League, the spring league that succeeded the XFL and USFL merger. The move gave him a defined starting role and a fresh opportunity to showcase his coverage skills. He later helped the Defenders capture the 2025 UFL championship.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Kelvin Joseph Jr’s signature career moments are his second-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft, his Super Bowl LVIII championship ring with the Kansas City Chiefs and his 2025 UFL championship with the DC Defenders. He has also developed a side career as a rap artist under the pseudonym YKDV Bossman Fat, with YKDV standing for You Know Da Vibe.
Kelvin Joseph Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public details about Kelvin Joseph Jr’s immediate family are limited. He grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has spoken of his hometown connections, including friendships from the local basketball and football scenes. Outside of football, he has pursued music, releasing rap records under the stage name YKDV Bossman Fat.
2025 Season Performance
Kelvin Joseph Jr’s 2025 campaign began with his February signing by the DC Defenders of the United Football League. The switch to spring football provided him with a clearer path to a starting cornerback role after several reserve seasons in the NFL. He delivered a strong debut season, helping the Defenders defense perform at a championship level through the UFL schedule.
The centerpiece of his year came when the Defenders captured the 2025 UFL championship, adding a league title to a resume that already included a Super Bowl ring. The spring season also allowed him to refine his technique in man coverage and on special teams while serving as one of the veteran leaders in the locker room. With the UFL title secured, Joseph is positioned as a key part of the Defenders’ defensive plans heading into the 2026 UFL offseason.
