Former University of Kentucky football player Josh Paschal opened up about his melanoma diagnosis and his path to the NFL in a new video released by the Detroit Lions as part of the league’s Crucial Catch initiative.
Paschal, now a defensive end for the Lions, was diagnosed with stage 3B acral lentiginous melanoma in 2018 while playing for UK. He was entering what was expected to be a breakout sophomore season when trainers noticed an unusual spot on the bottom of his foot during a routine ankle taping.
The melanoma had spread to lymph nodes in his groin, requiring two surgeries to remove the tumor and reconstruct tissue in his foot. B. Mark Evers, MD, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center, treated Paschal throughout his cancer journey. Paschal underwent a year of immunotherapy treatment, which helped his immune system attack the cancer cells, while learning to walk and play football again.
Paschal returned to the field later that 2018 season and went on to become one of the SEC’s top defensive players during his senior year before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2022.
He now uses his public profile to raise awareness about melanoma, particularly among young people and Black men, who often face delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes.
“If it just touches one person and they notice something in their body and they get it checked out, that’s saving a life,” Paschal said.
The full video is available on the Detroit Lions YouTube channel.