Linval Joseph is a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on October 10, 1988, in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and attended East Carolina University, where he played college football for the East Carolina Pirates.
Joseph was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Giants, where he established himself as a reliable defensive tackle. In his rookie season, he played in all 16 games and recorded 49 tackles and two sacks. He continued to improve in the following seasons, and in 2013, he helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLVI.
In 2014, Joseph signed a five-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He quickly became a key player on the Vikings' defense, and in his first season with the team, he recorded 56 tackles and three sacks. He continued to play at a high level in the following seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017.
Joseph's strength and athleticism made him a dominant force on the field, and he was known for his ability to stop the run and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. He was also a respected leader in the locker room, and his work ethic and dedication to the game inspired his teammates.
In 2019, Joseph signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. He played in 13 games for the Chargers that season, recording 44 tackles and three sacks. However, he was released by the team in March 2021, and he announced his retirement from the NFL shortly thereafter.
Throughout his career, Joseph was widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the league. He finished his career with 449 tackles, 31 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He was also a two-time All-Pro selection and a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
Off the field, Joseph was known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to his community. He established the Linval Joseph Foundation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities and resources for underprivileged children.
In conclusion, Linval Joseph had a successful career in the NFL, playing for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Los Angeles Chargers. He was a dominant force on the field and a respected leader in the locker room, earning Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro selections throughout his career. He was also known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to his community.
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