D.C. Defenders defensive back Michael Joseph announced his retirement on Saturday via his Instagram page.
“Although the journey seemed impossible it was Done, said Joseph. “Today I announce my retirement from playing the game of football. Thank you to my Family coaches and friends throughout this incredible journey. Football has taught me so much, especially how to handle adversity and maintain unwavering perseverance in order to achieve a Dream. I look forward to what’s to come in the next chapter. Thank you”
Michael Joseph is six foot and weighs 194 pounds. The 29-year-old from Oswego, Illinois, made 58 tackles (47 solos, 11 assists), five tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble in eight games for the Defenders in 2024.
The Chicago Bears signed Joseph as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2018. He spent four seasons in Chicago making 23 tackles (20 solos, 3 assists), and three pass breakups in 11 preseason games. Joseph dressed for one regular season game in 2021.
The D.C. Defenders signed Joseph on January 13, 2023. In 2023, he made 41 tackles (32 solos, 9 assists), one tackle for loss, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble, four interceptions for 78 yards, and two touchdowns in nine games helping the Defenders appear in the XFL Championship Game against the Arlington Renegades. He was named to the All-XFL Team after the season.
Collegiately, Joseph played four seasons at the University of Dubuque (2014-17) making 168 tackles (99 solos, 69 assists), six tackles for loss, one sack, 18 pass breakups, 15 interceptions for 169 yards, one touchdown, one blocked kick, one kick return for 96 yards, and one touchdown in 31 games for the Spartans. He was named a three-time All-IIAC, All-American, by AP and D3football.com, and a winner of the Cliff Harris Award in 2017.
