Josh Paschal

Joshua Paschal (born December 17, 1999) is an American football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Kentucky and was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Early years
Paschal was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, where he played football and basketball. As a senior, Paschal had 64 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Paschal was rated a four-star recruit and committed to play college football at Kentucky Wildcats over offers from Maryland, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ohio State, and USC.

College career
Paschal played in all 13 of Kentucky's games as a freshman and finished the season with 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Before the start of preseason training camp he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his left foot. Paschal used a medical redshirt while undergoing treatment, but was able to return for the final three games of Kentucky's season. He recorded 34 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his redshirt sophomore season. Paschal finished his redshirt junior season with 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. Paschal was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by the Associated Press as redshirt senior after recording 52 tackles and five sacks.

Professional career
Paschal was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round, 46th overall, in the 2022 NFL draft. He was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the season on August 23, 2022. He was activated on October 22.

On September 16, 2023, Paschal was placed on injured reserve. He was activated on October 21.

Personal life
Paschal's older brother, TraVaughn, also played football at Kentucky.