Joshua Josephs

Joshua Kalebe Josephs (born December 8, 2003) is an American professional football outside linebacker for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Josephs played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and was selected by the Commanders in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Josephs was born on December 8, 2003, and grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, as the son of Jamaican immigrants. He attended North Cobb High School in Atlanta, where he played football as a linebacker. He totaled 98 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and four sacks as a junior in 2020, then made 121 tackles, 22 TFLs and eight sacks as a senior in 2021, being named the Cobb County Defensive Player of the Year for his performance. A four-star recruit, he committed to play college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.

College career As a true freshman at Tennessee in 2022, Josephs totaled 12 tackles, 2.5 TFLs and a sack while playing as a backup defensive end. He then had 20 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and three sacks as a sophomore in 2023. As a junior in 2024, he totaled 39 tackles, nine TFLs and 1.5 sacks, having the highest grade among Tennessee defensive players as judged by Pro Football Focus (PFF). He returned to Tennessee for his senior season in 2025.

Josephs was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round with the 147th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft, signing his four-year rookie contract on May 8, 2026.