Linval Joseph is a professional football player known for his dominance on the defensive line, particularly as a defensive tackle. Over his long NFL career, Joseph earned a reputation as one of the best interior defensive linemen, known for his ability to clog up running lanes and disrupt the pocket as a pass rusher. Here’s a detailed biography of Linval Joseph:

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Linval B. Joseph
Born: October 10, 1988, in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
High School: Joseph attended Carver High School in Miami, Florida, where he was a standout football player. He quickly gained attention for his size and athleticism, making him one of the top defensive prospects in the area.

College:

• Linval Joseph played college football at the University of East Carolina (ECU), where he was a key member of the ECU Pirates defense.
• During his time at ECU, Joseph established himself as one of the most disruptive players on the defensive line. He had a standout career in college, earning All-Conference USA honors and becoming a force in both the running and passing game.
• Joseph finished his college career with impressive stats, including multiple tackles for loss and sacks. He demonstrated great strength and quickness for a player of his size, making him a highly regarded defensive tackle prospect entering the NFL.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Linval Joseph was selected by the New York Giants in the 2nd round (46th overall pick) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

New York Giants (2010–2013)

• Joseph joined the Giants as a rookie defensive tackle and quickly became a regular starter.
• His ability to stop the run and his powerful presence in the middle of the defensive line made him a vital part of the Giants’ defense.
• In 2011, Joseph played an important role in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI victory, helping the defense limit opponents’ rushing yards and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• During his four seasons with the Giants, Joseph developed into one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL. He finished his time in New York with 5.5 sacks and contributed consistently against both the run and pass.

Minnesota Vikings (2014–2019)

• In 2014, Joseph signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he would go on to have some of the best years of his career.
• As part of the Vikings’ defense, Joseph became known for his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. His size (6’4″, 329 pounds) and strength allowed him to clog running lanes, while his quickness for his size made him an asset as a pass rusher.
• Over the course of his six seasons with the Vikings, Joseph became one of the key players on their defense, helping to establish a solid run defense that was among the best in the league.
• Joseph made his first Pro Bowl in 2016 after recording 4 sacks, 49 tackles, and being an integral part of the Vikings’ defense. His ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage earned him recognition as one of the league’s top defensive tackles.
• His consistent performances throughout his tenure in Minnesota made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team’s defensive success.

Los Angeles Chargers (2020–2021)

• After his time with the Vikings, Joseph signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, continuing to be a dominant force on the defensive line.
• In his first season with the Chargers, Joseph played a pivotal role in bolstering the team’s run defense and providing leadership to the defensive front.
• He remained a key player in 2021 before being released after the season.

Return to the Minnesota Vikings (2022)

• In 2022, Linval Joseph made a return to the Minnesota Vikings for a brief stint. He provided depth to the defensive line and contributed experience to a young defensive front.
• Joseph’s return to the Vikings was marked by his veteran presence and ability to help the team in critical situations, especially against the run.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Run Stopper: Joseph is known for his ability to shut down running plays. His size and strength allow him to take on double-teams and occupy blockers, freeing up other defenders to make plays. He was often a key player in any team’s run-stopping efforts.
• Pass Rushing: While not a prolific pass rusher, Joseph was effective at collapsing the pocket and applying pressure to the quarterback. His quickness for a man of his size allowed him to get to the quarterback in passing situations.
• Physicality: Joseph’s physical style of play and his ability to clog running lanes made him a difficult matchup for offensive linemen. His size, combined with his strength and stamina, allowed him to maintain consistency throughout games.
• Versatility: Joseph’s ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line, from defensive tackle to nose tackle, made him valuable in multiple defensive schemes.

NFL Career Stats

• Games Played: 167
• Games Started: 152
• Tackles: 512
• Sacks: 17.5
• Interceptions: 1
• Pass Deflections: 10
• Forced Fumbles: 6
• Pro Bowls: 1 (2016)

Retirement and Legacy

• After finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, Linval Joseph announced his retirement from the NFL.
• Joseph is widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles of his era, particularly in terms of stopping the run and playing the role of an anchor on the defensive line. His leadership and consistent performances in both the Giants’ and Vikings’ defenses have earned him lasting respect in the NFL community.
• Joseph’s legacy includes his Super Bowl victory with the Giants and his numerous seasons of high-level play with the Vikings, where he was an essential part of their defensive efforts.

Summary

• Position: Defensive Tackle
• NFL Teams: New York Giants (2010–2013), Minnesota Vikings (2014–2019, 2022), Los Angeles Chargers (2020–2021)
• NFL Career Stats:
  • Games Played: 167
  • Games Started: 152
  • Tackles: 512
  • Sacks: 17.5
  • Pro Bowls: 1 (2016)
  • Super Bowl Championships: 1 (Super Bowl XLVI with the New York Giants)

Linval Joseph is remembered for his immense contribution to the defensive line, his leadership, and his role as a dominant force in stopping the run. His Super Bowl victory with the Giants and his Pro Bowl selection in 2016 helped cement his legacy as one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL during his career.