Josh Metellus wasn’t exactly a superstar recruit for the Michigan Wolverines when he joined the program out of Pembroke Pines, Florida in 2016.
But he came from the same high school as NFL star and former Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, a fan favorite who also sported dreadlocks and was known to cause havoc on the field.
Metellus, born on January 21, 1998, didn’t have as much hype coming into Ann Arbor as Bush and fellow defensive stalwarts like Rashan Gary, but ascended to a position of leadership on the team in no time, becoming a four-year letterman and a three-time All-Big Ten honoree by the time his college career was over.
Metellus was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection by the Associated Press in 2018, his final year with the team as a strong safety.
Metellus played center field for the Michigan defense, roaming all over the place, breaking up passes, securing interceptions, and making life miserable on opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers.
His versatility, knack for making the big play, and speed made him a fan favorite by the time his career was over in Ann Arbor.
Metellus Makes First NFL Start, Game Winning Interception for Minnesota
On Sunday, September 25, Metellus made his first career NFL start, filling in for Minnesota Vikings star and legendary strong safety Harrison Smith against quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions.
Goff had a solid day against the Vikings secondary, leading his team to 24 points and throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns.
But it was one negative play that Goff made against Metellus and the Vikings that turned out to be the Lions’ undoing.
With the Lions trailing by four points and almost within striking distance of a game-winning touchdown, Goff decided to throw what a deep dig route toward the middle-right of the field.
Metellus jumped the route and nearly had a game-sealing interception against Goff and the Lions.
On the next play, Goff knew it was now or never.
He rolled out to his left and let a deep pass fly down the left side of the field — a pass that fell into the waiting arms of Metellus as the Vikings fans and players went wild.
Interception.
Game. Set. Match.
And another series of huge plays from an unheralded former Michigan Wolverines defensive back who had a knack for making them with Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines secondary.
Metellus also tied for the team lead in tackles on the afternoon with ten total.
Josh Metellus seals the win!#ProBlue pic.twitter.com/d8TKDbd3cZ
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 25, 2022
Metellus is one of 31 active NFL players who played their college football at Michigan, according to ESPN.com.
The full list is shown below:
