Joel Heath
{{Short description|American football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Joel Heath
| image =
| current_team =
| number = 93
| position = Defensive end
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|6|18}}
| birth_place = Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 6
| weight_lbs = 300
| high_school = Mount Healthy {{nowrap|(Mount Healthy, Ohio)}}
| college = Michigan State (2011–2015)
| undraftedyear = 2016
| pastteams =
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2020}})*
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2021}})
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 34
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 3.0
| pfr = HeatJo00
}}
Joel Heath (born June 18, 1993) is an American former professional football defensive end who played for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL) from 2016 to 2019. He was a three-year starter at Mount Healthy High School in Mount Healthy, Ohio and earned first-team All-State honors twice. He was also named the Associated Press All-Ohio Division II Co-Defensive Player of the Year his senior season in 2010. Heath played college football at Michigan State, where he was a three-year letterman. He was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference his senior year in 2015. He played in 39 games, starting 24, during his college career, recording 60 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Heath signed with the Texans after going undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft. He played in 32 games, starting 16, for the Texans from 2016 to 2019, totaling 34 tackles and three sacks. He was also a member of the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions but did not appear in any contests for either team.
Early life
Joel Heath was born on June 18, 1993 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a three-year starter at Mount Healthy High School in Mount Healthy, Ohio, where he played defensive end and tight end.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2014/04/joel_heath_30_pounds_heavier_a.html |title=Joel Heath, 30 pounds heavier at new position, ready to 'get after it' as Michigan State defensive tackle |publisher=MLive Media Group |date=April 10, 2014 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Griffith, Mike |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001002201/http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2014/04/joel_heath_30_pounds_heavier_a.html |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }} He recorded 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks during his junior year in 2009. Heath committed to Michigan State on July 1, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/story/981452-heath-happy-to-be-a-spartan |title=Heath Happy To Be A Spartan |publisher=Scout.com |date=July 1, 2010 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Berk, Dave |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001011129/http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/story/981452-heath-happy-to-be-a-spartan |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.theonlycolors.com/2010/7/1/1548069/joel-heath-is-spartan-football |title=Joel Heath is Spartan Football Recruit #7 |publisher=TheOnlyColors.com |date=July 1, 2010 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Rossman, Pete |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001012219/http://www.theonlycolors.com/2010/7/1/1548069/joel-heath-is-spartan-football |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }} He totaled five sacks throughout his senior season in 2010 and helped Mount Healthy win its first playoff game in school history.{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/story/1023471-joel-heath-excited-about-future |title=Joel Heath Excited About Future |publisher=Scout.com |date=November 19, 2010 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Berk, Dave |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001010601/http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/story/1023471-joel-heath-excited-about-future |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }}
He earned Associated Press (AP) first-team All-Ohio (Division II) honors twice and first-team AP Southwest All-District accolades twice. Heath was named the AP All-Ohio Division II Co-Defensive Player of the Year, AP Southwest All-District Defensive Player of the Year and Fort Ancient Valley Conference Co-Athlete of the Year for his senior season in 2010. He also earned first-team All-Conference honors twice. He was named to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s All-Area (Division II-VI) Team for his junior season.
Heath was part of the Ohio All-Stars team that took part in the June 2011 Big 33 Classic in Hershey, Pennsylvania.{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/story/1078677-heath-ready-to-represent-spartans |title=Heath Ready to Represent Spartans |publisher=Scout.com |date=June 10, 2011 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Berk, Dave |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001010054/http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/story/1078677-heath-ready-to-represent-spartans |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }} He was rated the country's 26th best defensive end in the class of 2011 by Scout.com and Ohio's 49th best senior in the class of 2011 by Rivals.com.{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/player/138461-joel-heath |title=Joel Heath |publisher=Scout.com |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930231600/http://www.scout.com/player/138461-joel-heath |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/23160 |title=Joel Heath |publisher=Rivals.com |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930231711/https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/23160 |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }} He was also named to the All-Midwest Team of both SuperPrep and PrepStar.
College career
Heath played for the Michigan State Spartans of Michigan State University from 2012 to 2015 and was a three-year letterman from 2013 to 2015. He was redshirted in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/msu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/JoelHeath.pdf |title=Joel Heath |publisher=Michigan State University |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930202309/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/msu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/JoelHeath.pdf |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}
He began his Michigan State career as a defensive end, playing in five games in 2012 and a further nine in 2013, recording three quarterback hurries and a pass breakup the latter year.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1868397/joel-heath |title=JOEL HEATH |publisher=CBS Sports |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930230919/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1868397/joel-heath |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }} Heath converted to defensive tackle during bowl practices in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2015/12/old_man_joel_heath_says_michig.html |title='Old man' Joel Heath says Michigan State not satisfied entering Alabama game |publisher=MLive Media Group |date=December 20, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Griffith, Mike |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001002308/http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2015/12/old_man_joel_heath_says_michig.html |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=https://nflmocks.com/2016/04/16/joel-heath-dt-msu-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/ |title=Joel Heath, DT, MSU: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report |publisher=NFLMocks.com |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Holmes, David |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001002413/https://nflmocks.com/2016/04/16/joel-heath-dt-msu-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/ |archive-date=October 1, 2016 }} He played in 13 games, of which he started all but one, as a defensive tackle in 2014, accumulating 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks while also leading the team's defensive tackles with five tackles for loss. He recorded three tackles, half a sack and a half a tackle for loss in his team's defeat in the January 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic. Heath started 12 games at defensive tackle in 2015, totaling two sacks and 31 tackles, including 5.5 for tackles for loss. He missed one game due to an undisclosed injury and another game due to an ankle injury.{{cite web | url=http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2015/11/dt_joel_heath_returns_to_lineu.html | title=DT Joel Heath returns to lineup, Michigan State front 7 healthy for Ohio State | publisher=MLive Media Group | date=November 17, 2015 | access-date=November 15, 2017 | author=Griffith, Mike | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115183950/http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2015/11/dt_joel_heath_returns_to_lineu.html | archive-date=November 15, 2017 }}{{cite web | url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state-university/2015/09/26/conklin-latest-addition-msu-injury-list/72895528/ | title=Conklin is latest addition to MSU injury list | work=The Detroit News | date=September 26, 2015 | access-date=November 15, 2017 | author=Charboneau, Matt | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115223611/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state-university/2015/09/26/conklin-latest-addition-msu-injury-list/72895528/ | archive-date=November 15, 2017 }} He had three tackles in the December 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. He was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference by the media in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://btn.com/2015/11/30/view-2015-all-big-ten-defensive-team-individual-award-winners/ |title=View 2015 All-Big Ten Defensive Team & individual award winners |publisher=Big Ten Network |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Yarina, Brent |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930200254/http://btn.com/2015/11/30/view-2015-all-big-ten-defensive-team-individual-award-winners/ |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113015aac.html |title=Shilique Calhoun Named First-Team All-Big Ten for Third Consecutive Year |publisher=Michigan State University |date=November 30, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930200349/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113015aac.html |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}
Heath played in 39 games, and started 24 of them, during his college career. He recorded career totals of 4.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 60 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss. He graduated from Michigan State in December 2015 with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in social science.
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Heath was rated the 30th best defensive tackle in the 2016 NFL draft by NFLDraftScout.com. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com said that "Heath has intriguing size that could appeal to defenses running multiple fronts" while also stating that "Heath's lack of pass rush or dominant run stopping tape could hurt his cause on draft weekend."{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/joel-heath?id=2555503 |title=JOEL HEATH |publisher=NFL.com |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930203210/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/joel-heath?id=2555503 |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 5¼
| weight = 293
| dash = 5.02
| ten split = 1.75
| twenty split = 2.90
| shuttle = 4.52
| cone drill = 7.44
| vertical = 33
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 5
| bench = 26
| arm span = 34½
| hand span = 10½
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{cite web|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=108372&draftyear=2016&genpos=DT |title=Joel Heath |publisher=NFLDraftScout.com |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930202729/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=108372&draftyear=2016&genpos=DT |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}
}}
=Houston Texans=
Heath signed with the Houston Texans in May 2016 after going undrafted in the 2016 draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/joel-heath-player-transactions |title=JOEL HEATH |publisher=Fox Sports |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930234642/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/joel-heath-player-transactions |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/Joel-Heath/13576c3d-2bc0-42ce-935e-e72201d4d411 |title=Joel Heath |publisher=Houston Texans |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009125134/http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/joel-heath/13576c3d-2bc0-42ce-935e-e72201d4d411/ |archive-date=October 9, 2016 }} He chose the Texans over four other teams that he had received contract offers from.{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Rookie-lineman-Joel-Heath-chose-Texans-on-advice-9179840.php |title=Rookie lineman Joel Heath chose Texans on advice of Max Bullough |work=Houston Chronicle |date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Wilson, Aaron |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930224635/http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Rookie-lineman-Joel-Heath-chose-Texans-on-advice-9179840.php |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }} He made his NFL debut on September 22 against the New England Patriots, recording one tackle assist.{{cite web | url=http://www.nfl.com/player/joelheath/2556551/gamelogs | title=Joel Heath | publisher=NFL.com | access-date=September 30, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Joel-Heath-encouraged-by-surreal-debut-9289636.php |title=Texans rookie Joel Heath encouraged by 'surreal' NFL debut |work=Houston Chronicle |date=September 26, 2016 |access-date=September 30, 2016 |author=Wilson, Aaron |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930223935/http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Joel-Heath-encouraged-by-surreal-debut-9289636.php |archive-date=September 30, 2016 }} Heath played in twelve games, of which he started in half of them, and recorded five solo tackles, three tackle assists and two sacks.{{cite web | url=http://www.nfl.com/player/joelheath/2556551/profile | title=Joel Heath | publisher=NFL.com | access-date=January 3, 2017}} Both of his sacks came in the Week 17 game against the Tennessee Titans, making him the sixth rookie in Texans history and the first since Whitney Mercilus in 2012 to record two sacks in a game.{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-rookie-defensive-end-Joel-Heath-has-10829997.php |title=Texans rookie defensive end Joel Heath has breakthrough game |work=Houston Chronicle |date=January 1, 2017 |access-date=January 15, 2017 |author=Wilson, Aaron |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115202606/http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-rookie-defensive-end-Joel-Heath-has-10829997.php |archive-date=January 15, 2017 }} He also played in both of the team's playoff games, recording two solo tackles in the first game.{{cite web | url=http://www.nfl.com/player/joelheath/2556551/gamelogs?season=2016 | title=Joel Heath | publisher=NFL.com | access-date=January 15, 2017}} He suffered a knee injury during the team's second playoff game.{{cite web | url=http://www.wcpo.com/sports/high-school-sports/ohio-high-school-sports/houston-texans-defensive-end-joel-heath-returns-home-to-visit-mount-healthy | title=Houston Texans defensive end Joel Heath returns home to visit Mount Healthy | publisher=WCPO-TV | date=May 19, 2017 | access-date=October 5, 2017 | author=Dyer, Mike | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005224819/http://www.wcpo.com/sports/high-school-sports/ohio-high-school-sports/houston-texans-defensive-end-joel-heath-returns-home-to-visit-mount-healthy | archive-date=October 5, 2017 }}
In May 2017, Heath stated his knee was 100 percent healthy. He suffered a hamstring injury later during the offseason.{{cite web | url=http://texanswire.usatoday.com/2017/08/23/joel-heaths-return-to-active-roster-among-three-texans-roster-moves/ | title=Joel Heath's return to active roster among three Texans roster moves | work=USA Today | date=August 23, 2017 | access-date=October 5, 2017 | author=Latham-Coyle. Harry | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005223952/http://texanswire.usatoday.com/2017/08/23/joel-heaths-return-to-active-roster-among-three-texans-roster-moves/ | archive-date=October 5, 2017 }} On July 25, he was placed on the active/non-football injury list.{{cite web | url=http://wtop.com/nhl/2017/07/tuesdays-transactions-3/ | title=Tuesday's Transactions | publisher=WTOP-FM | agency=Associated Press | date=July 25, 2017 | access-date=October 5, 2017 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005225319/http://wtop.com/nhl/2017/07/tuesdays-transactions-3/ | archive-date=October 5, 2017 }} On August 23, Heath was activated from the active/non-football injury list.{{cite web | url=http://houston.cbslocal.com/2017/08/23/houston-texans-activate-joel-heath-release-wr-street/ | title=Houston Texans Activate Joel Heath, Release WR Street | publisher=CBS Houston | date=August 23, 2017 | access-date=October 5, 2017 | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005225859/http://houston.cbslocal.com/2017/08/23/houston-texans-activate-joel-heath-release-wr-street/ | archive-date=October 5, 2017 }} He began the 2017 season as the team's starter at right defensive end and started the team's first four games of the season.{{cite web | url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-defensive-end-Joel-Heath-now-a-starter-12178209.php | title=Texans defensive end Joel Heath now a starter | work=Houston Chronicle | date=September 6, 2017 | access-date=October 5, 2017 | author=Wilson, Aaron | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005223946/http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-defensive-end-Joel-Heath-now-a-starter-12178209.php | archive-date=October 5, 2017 }}{{cite web | url=http://www.nfl.com/player/joelheath/2556551/gamelogs?season=2017 | title=Joel Heath | publisher=NFL.com | access-date=October 5, 2017}} He missed Weeks 8 to 10 with a knee injury.{{cite web | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2017/11/16/joel-heath-could-return-vs-cardinals/ | title=Joel Heath could return vs. Cardinals | work=USA Today | date=November 16, 2017 | accessdate=12 September 2024 | author=Risdon, Jeff}}{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeatJo00/gamelog/2017/ | title=Joel Heath 2017 Game Log | publisher=Pro-Football-Reference | accessdate=12 September 2024}} Overall, Heath appeared in 13 games, starting nine, for the Texans in 2017, totaling 17 solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and one sack.{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeatJo00.htm | title=Joel Heath | publisher=Pro Football Reference | accessdate=12 September 2024}}
His role diminished in 2018 as he only played in five games for the Texans, making two tackles. He also dealt with knee issues that season.{{cite web | url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-scratch-veteran-corner-Johnathan-Joseph-13361977.php | title=Texans scratch veteran corner Johnathan Joseph | work=The Beaumont Enterprise | date=Nov 4, 2018 | accessdate=12 September 2024 | author=Wilson, Aaron}}{{cite web | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/17/texans-jaguars-injury-report-fulton-not-participate-practice/ | title=Texans-Jaguars injury report: Fulton does not participate in practice | work=USA Today | date=Oct 17, 2018 | accessdate=12 September 2024 | author=Lane, Mark}}{{cite web | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2019/11/11/texans-re-sign-joel-heath-waive-dan-skipper/ | title=Texans re-sign DL Joel Heath, waive OL Dan Skipper | work=USA Today | date=November 11, 2019 | accessdate=12 September 2024 | author=Duncan, Avery}}
The Texans waived Heath on August 31, 2019, during final roster cuts.{{cite web|title=Texans trim roster to 53 players|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-trim-roster-to-53-players|publisher=Houston Texans|date=August 31, 2019|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901032100/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-trim-roster-to-53-players|url-status=dead}} He worked out for seven different NFL teams during the 2019 season but was not signed by any of them.{{cite web | url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Joel-Heath-on-being-back-with-Texans-special-14838883.php | title=Joel Heath on being back with Texans: 'It's special' | work=Houston Chronicle | date=Nov 15, 2019 | accessdate=13 September 2024 | author=Wilson, Aaron}} However, he was later re-signed by the Texans on November 11.{{cite web|title=Texans sign DE Joel Heath, waive T Dan Skipper|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-de-joel-heath-waive-t-dan-skipper|publisher=Houston Texans|date=November 11, 2019}} Heath was waived again on November 21, but re-signed two days later.{{cite web|title=Texans activate TE Jordan Thomas off Reserve/Injured list|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-activate-te-jordan-thomas-off-reserve-injured-list|publisher=Houston Texans|date=November 21, 2019|access-date=November 22, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528191717/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-activate-te-jordan-thomas-off-reserve-injured-list|url-status=dead}}{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-joel-heath-re-signs-with-houston/amp/ | title=Texans' Joel Heath: Re-signs with Houston | publisher=CBS Sports | date=Nov 23, 2019 | accessdate=12 September 2024}} Overall, he played in two games, starting one, in 2019 but recorded no statistics. He was released by the Texans on December 28.{{cite web|title=Texans promote Elijah Nkansah, cut Joel Heath|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-promote-Elijah-Nkansah-to-53-man-roster-14936294.php|author=Wilson, Aaron|work=Houston Chronicle|date=December 28, 2019}}
=Denver Broncos=
On December 31, 2019, Heath was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos.{{cite web|title=Broncos sign 15 players to future contracts, claim NT Joel Heath off waivers|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-15-players-to-future-contracts-claim-nt-joel-heath-off-waivers|publisher=Denver Broncos|date=December 31, 2019|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101222437/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-15-players-to-future-contracts-claim-nt-joel-heath-off-waivers|url-status=dead}} He was re-signed on March 27, but was later released on July 27.{{cite web|title=Broncos make a series of roster moves|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-make-a-series-of-roster-moves-tc-2020|author=DiLalla, Aric|publisher=Denver Broncos|date=July 27, 2020}}{{cite news |author=Swanson, Ben |title=Broncos re-sign LB Joe Jones, NT Joel Heath |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-re-sign-lb-joe-jones-nt-joel-heath |publisher=Denver Broncos |date=March 27, 2020 |access-date=March 28, 2020}} He chose to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was reinstated to the Broncos' roster on their opt-out reserve list on August 25.{{cite news |author=Williams, Charean |title=Joel Heath, Shakial Taylor added to opt-out list, bringing total to 69 |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/08/25/joel-heath-shakial-taylor-added-to-opt-out-list-bringing-total-to-69/ |publisher=NBC Sports |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=August 26, 2020}} He was waived after the season on February 2, 2021.{{cite web|title=Broncos waive five players|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-waive-five-players|author=DiLalla, Aric|publisher=Denver Broncos|date=February 2, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225050944/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-waive-five-players|url-status=dead}}
=Detroit Lions=
On February 18, 2021, Heath signed with the Detroit Lions.{{Cite web|last=Alper|first=Josh|date=2021-02-18|title=Lions sign Joel Heath|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/02/18/lions-sign-joel-heath/|access-date=2021-02-19|publisher=NBC Sports|language=en-US}} He suffered a season-ending torn ACL during practice on May 26 and was placed on injured reserve on May 28, 2021.{{cite news |author=Williams, Charean |title=Lions place Joel Heath on injured reserve |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/05/28/lions-place-joel-heath-on-injured-reserve/ |publisher=NBC Sports |date=May 28, 2021 |access-date=June 23, 2021}} On January 4, 2022, he was moved to the team's reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for COVID-19.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/lions-joel-heath-moves-to-covid-list/amp/ | title=Lions' Joel Heath: Moves to COVID list | publisher=CBS Sports | date=Jan 5, 2022 | accessdate=13 September 2024}} However, he was reinstated on January 10. Heath became a free agent in March 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactions/h/heat00910.html | title=Joel Heath NFL Transactions | publisher=Pro Football Archives | accessdate=13 September 2024}}
Heath played in 32 regular season games, starting 16, during his NFL career, totaling 34 tackles and three sacks. He also appeared in two playoff games, recording two solo tackles.
Personal life
In 2017, Heath founded the JH93 Football Camp, an annual youth football camp at his alma mater Mount Healthy High School.{{cite web | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/06/texans-de-joel-heath-holds-second-annual-camp-old-high-school/ | title=Texans DE Joel Heath holds second annual camp at old high school | work=USA Today | date=July 6, 2018 | accessdate=13 September 2024 | author=Lane, Mark}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/joel-heath-1.html College statistics]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heath, Joel}}
Category:People from Mount Healthy, Ohio
Category:Players of American football from Hamilton County, Ohio
Category:Players of American football from Cincinnati
Category:American football defensive tackles
Category:American football defensive ends
Category:Michigan State Spartans football players
Category:Houston Texans players
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Denver Broncos players