Time to Give Johnathan Joseph His Due as One of the Best Defensive Backs of His Generation

The NFL has had countless players seek the title of the best cornerback in the league. Few, however, have the durability to stay relevant for years. Johnathan Joseph is a much different story, as he continues to line up at 35 years old for the Houston Texans.

Joseph entered the league back in 2006 and joined the Texans in 2011. Playing for so long means he is doing something right -- and placing his name in the record books. After Sunday's win over the Patriots, he broke the great Ronde Barber's all-time mark for most games with multiple passes defended.

Not bad for a guy who has only gone to two Pro Bowls.

Additionally, Joseph has only been named an All-Pro one time; he was a member of the second team in 2011.

Those yearly awards are filled by guys who may shine for a few seasons running, but fade away with time. Guys like Josh Norman command major money one year, then effectively disappear the next. Longevity is invaluable in a sport as intense as professional football, and Joseph has not only been around, but he has been primed and ready to go year in, year out.

The veteran has routinely appeared in all or nearly all of his team's games throughout his career.

Joseph is in the final year of his contract and may even decide to hang it up after the 2019 season. But given with the way his Houston Texans are playing, that could come after a deep run in the postseason.

After retirement comes a discussion of just how highly he ranks among cornerbacks all-time. Even if the traditional accolades aren't there, the man has put forth a tremenous body of work. It's time to stand up and tip the cap to this primetime player for so many years of high-level performances.