Josh Paschal

Josh Paschal's Biography

Joshua Paschal was born on December 17, 1999, in Washington, D.C., and he spent his youth in Prince George’s County, Maryland. From an early age, Paschal exhibited athletic prowess, a passion which he pursued at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. As a senior, he showcased his remarkable defensive skills on the football field with 64 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

After graduating, Paschal found himself pursued by numerous high-profile sports colleges. However, he decided to prioritize his education and deferred the lucrative offers from elite schools like Maryland, Oklahoma, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and USC to study and play football at Kentucky Wildcats. Rated a four-star recruit, Paschal was warmly received at Kentucky and his freshman year saw him playing in all 13 games. His impressive stats recorded 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Paschal’s freshman season ended on a high note, laying a solid foundation for his flourishing career.

However, before his sophomore season started, Paschal was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his left foot. This life-threatening disease led him to take a medical redshirt year, focused on seeking the necessary treatment and recuperation. Despite the setback, showing remarkable resilience, Paschal returned to the game by the end of the year, playing the final three games of the season with renewed energy and grit. By his redshirt sophomore season, his formidable talent shown brightly once again, clocking 34 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The subsequent seasons brought even more accolades for Paschal. His redshirt junior year witnessed a steady stream of commendable performances. He ended the season with 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. The outstanding statistics continued to follow in his redshirt senior year, which saw Paschal recording 52 tackles and five sacks, earning him first-team All-Southeastern Conference with the Associated Press.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Paschal was selected in the second round, 46th overall, by the Detroit Lions – a turning point in his professional football career. His start with Lions was briefly stalled as he was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list on August 23, 2022. Paschal overcame this hurdle and was activated on October 22, marking his official entry into the NFL landscape.

In the subsequent year, 2023, Paschal was placed on injured reserve on September 16, but was quick to bounce back. His resilience and dedication to the sport were evident as he was activated again on October 21.

Beyond his personal achievements, Paschal’s family also boasts of an impressive football lineage, with his older brother, TraVaughn, who also played football at Kentucky. As Paschal’s journey continues to unravel in the world of professional football, his tenacity, talent, and determination are more than evident. His career trajectory from the Kentucky Wildcats to the Detroit Lions, and the numerous trials and triumphs he’s faced along the way, paint a picture of a formidable athlete always ready to overcome any hurdle.