Juan Joseph

Juan Joseph (August 26, 1987 – November 16, 2014) was an American football quarterback. He played college football for the Millsaps Majors. He was signed by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Joseph was also a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL and the Lafayette Wildcatters of the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL).

Early life Joseph attended West Saint John Parish High School in Edgard, Louisiana, where he was a member of the Rams 2003 and 2004 Class 2A State Championship teams. He also won the Conerly Trophy, given annually to the best college football player in the state of Mississippi, edging out fellow finalists and future first-round NFL draft selections Michael Oher and Peria Jerry. He was also a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy.

Joseph played in 38 games for the Majors from 2005 to 2008, amassing 9,295 passing yards (244.6/game) and 87 passing touchdowns (2.3/game) compared to 27 interceptions, and completing 814 of 1,283 pass attempts (63.4%). He also rushed for 537 yards and 8 touchdowns on 161 attempts. During his tenure, the Majors accumulated a 28–14 overall win–loss record, including a 20–6 record in conference play, three SCAC title's and two playoff appearances. Joseph's priority while at college was not to play professionally. A good student, he admitted it would be nice, but this was not one of his goals.

Joseph was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for Kitwana Jones on May 15, 2009. He was cut on June 25, 2009.

Joseph joined the Lafayette Wildcatters two days prior to the start of the 2010 SIFL season. The team began the year 1–4 before Joseph became the starter. With Joseph at the helm, the team soared to a 5–1 turnaround, achieving a winning season and a playoff berth.

Personal life Joseph was married with a young daughter and a second child due just weeks after his death. His younger brother, Dray Joseph, was also a quarterback at West Saint John, and played collegiately for Southern University, where he became the school's all-time leading passer with 8,745 yards and 73 touchdowns, and led the Jaguars to a 9–4 record and a SWAC championship as a senior in 2013.