Linval Joseph
Linval Joseph (born October 10, 1988) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).[1] Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 329 pounds, he played college football for the East Carolina Pirates, where he earned recognition as a freshman on the 2007 Conference USA All-Freshman Team.[1][2] Joseph was selected by the New York Giants in the second round, 46th overall, of the 2010 NFL Draft.[1] Throughout his NFL career, Joseph has played for six teams: the New York Giants (2010–2013), Minnesota Vikings (2014–2019), [Los Angeles Chargers](/page/Los Angeles_Chargers) (2020–2021), Philadelphia Eagles (2022), Buffalo Bills (2023), and Dallas Cowboys (2024–present).[1] He contributed to the Giants' victory in Super Bowl XLVI following the 2011 season and earned two Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings.[1] As of the end of the 2024 season, in 203 regular-season games, Joseph has amassed 695 combined tackles, 28.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, including a 64-yard fumble return for a touchdown in 2018.[1]Early life
Childhood and family background
Linval Joseph was born on October 10, 1988, in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to parents Ernestine Johnson and Clement Joseph.[3][4] His family faced significant hardships, including poverty, which shaped his early experiences on the island.[5] At the age of 10, following his parents' divorce, Joseph relocated with his mother and younger brother to Gainesville, Florida, seeking better educational and economic opportunities, while his father remained in Saint Croix.[5][6] The move exposed him to new challenges, including bullying and racial tensions in a more divided community, which further fueled his determination to succeed through athletics and hard work to support his family.[5] During his childhood, Joseph was exposed to a variety of sports, including basketball, track and field, soccer, baseball, and karate, reflecting the active lifestyle encouraged in his island upbringing.[6][5] These early pursuits, particularly basketball and track, provided outlets for his physical talents and helped motivate him amid difficult circumstances, before he eventually focused on football as a primary path forward.[5]High school career
Linval Joseph attended Santa Fe High School in Alachua, Florida, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team, primarily playing defensive tackle while also seeing action at offensive tackle.[4][1] He earned two-time All-State honors in Class 3A during his junior and senior seasons, along with All-Region recognition as a senior.[7][4] As a senior in 2006, Joseph was rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, ranked as the 44th-best national defensive tackle prospect.[7][4] Beyond football, Joseph excelled in track and field, lettering three times and competing in the shot put and discus events, where he advanced to the state finals as both a junior and senior.[4] He holds Santa Fe High School records in both throws and helped the team reach the state finals.[7] As a junior in 2006, he qualified for the state meet with a shot put throw of 49 feet, 7 inches, and later achieved a personal best of 16.78 meters (approximately 55 feet) at the 2007 Florida Relays.[8][9] Joseph also participated in weightlifting, winning the Florida State Weightlifting Championship as a junior with a 415-pound bench press and a 320-pound clean jerk.[4][7] Joseph's recruitment drew interest from major programs, including a verbal commitment to the University of Florida as a high school sophomore.[10] However, Florida over-recruited the defensive line position, leaving no scholarship available for him after his senior year, and he was ultimately overlooked by several top programs.[11][12] He signed with East Carolina University in February 2007, where he would go on to play college football.[4][13]College career
Freshman season (2007)
Joseph began his collegiate career at East Carolina University in 2007 as a true freshman defensive tackle, transitioning from his high school position as an offensive tackle at Santa Fe High School. Under head coach Skip Holtz, who emphasized refining technique and defensive fundamentals for linemen, Joseph adapted to the rigors of Division I football by focusing on his role in the Pirates' 4-3 defensive scheme. This shift required him to leverage his size—listed at 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds—while developing pass-rush and run-stopping skills against more athletic opponents. His early challenges included adjusting to the speed and complexity of college schemes, but he quickly earned rotational snaps on the defensive line.[14] During the season, Joseph appeared in all 13 games, making four starts and recording 40 total tackles (13 solo, 27 assisted), along with 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 5 quarterback hurries, and 2 fumble recoveries. Notable performances included his first career tackle against North Carolina and a start against No. 5 West Virginia, where he contributed to holding the Mountaineers' rushing attack in check. These contributions helped solidify his emerging role as a reliable interior defender, particularly in run support, as the Pirates' defense ranked respectably in Conference USA. By the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl against Boise State, Joseph had bulked up to 371 pounds, showcasing his physical presence in East Carolina's 41–38 victory.[14][15] Joseph's freshman campaign earned him recognition on the 2007 Conference USA All-Freshman Team, selected by both media and coaches, highlighting his rapid development and impact as a newcomer. As part of a Pirates squad that finished 8-5 overall (6-2 in C-USA), qualifying for their first bowl game since 2001, he provided depth to a defensive front that limited four opponents to 80 or fewer rushing yards. This season laid the foundation for his growth, though a subsequent back injury in spring 2008 led to significant weight loss, prompting further emphasis on conditioning and technique in Holtz's program.[14][16]Sophomore season (2008)
In 2008, Linval Joseph's sophomore season at East Carolina marked his emergence as a reliable starter on the defensive line, as he appeared in all 14 games and started the final nine contests.[14] He finished the year with 43 total tackles (22 solo, 21 assisted), 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, contributing significantly to a defense that ranked seventh nationally in forced turnovers with 33.[17][14] Joseph's versatility was evident in his play at both right defensive tackle and nose guard, where he also recorded a forced fumble, a batted pass, and a quarterback hurry.[14] One of his standout performances came in the Conference USA Championship game against Tulsa on December 6, where he tallied a career-high 9 tackles (6 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss in East Carolina's 27–24 victory.[17] Earlier in the season, he notched single-game sacks against UCF, Marshall, and in the Liberty Bowl.[17] These efforts helped the Pirates secure a 9–5 overall record, capture the CUSA title, and earn a bid to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.[18] In the Liberty Bowl against Kentucky on January 2, 2009, Joseph delivered 7 tackles (6 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, despite the 25–19 defeat; he also blocked two extra-point attempts in the game.[17][14] For his contributions, Joseph earned Honorable Mention All-Conference USA honors from the league's coaches.[14]Junior season (2009)
In 2009, Linval Joseph entered his junior season at East Carolina University as a key interior defensive lineman, building on the breakout performance from his sophomore year where he recorded 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He appeared and started all 14 games for the Pirates, anchoring the defensive front and leading the team in several key categories. Joseph finished the year with 60 total tackles (22 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, earning first-team All-Conference USA honors from league coaches for his disruptive presence.[14][15] Joseph's performance against Tulsa on November 15 included 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a batted down pass to help secure a 44-14 victory. Earlier in the season, he notched 1.5 sacks and 6 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss in a 38-31 win over UCF on September 26, and he added 0.5 sacks along with 7 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in the season opener against Appalachian State. His consistent pressure on quarterbacks, including 14 total pressures and a blocked field goal attempt against UCF, highlighted his development into one of the top defensive linemen in Conference USA.[2][19] The Pirates enjoyed a strong 9-4 regular season, capturing the Conference USA East Division title with a 7-1 conference record and defeating Houston 38-32 in the league championship game. East Carolina advanced to the Liberty Bowl, where they fell 20-17 in overtime to Arkansas on January 2, 2010; Joseph contributed with tackles for loss in the contest. Following the bowl game, Joseph declared for the 2010 NFL Draft on January 24, forgoing his senior year and boosting his draft stock with his junior production.[20][21]College statistics and awards
During his three-year collegiate career at East Carolina University from 2007 to 2009, defensive lineman Linval Joseph appeared in 41 games, making 27 starts, while accumulating 143 total tackles (57 solo), 29.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.[15] His contributions were particularly notable on the interior defensive line, where he disrupted opposing offenses with consistent pressure and run-stopping ability.[4] Joseph's statistical output improved each season, reflecting his development into a dominant force in Conference USA. The following table summarizes his year-by-year defensive statistics:| Year | Class | Games Played | Starts | Total Tackles | Tackles for Loss | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | FR | 13 | 4 | 40 | 8.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
| 2008 | SO | 14 | 9 | 43 | 8.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| 2009 | JR | 14 | 14 | 60 | 13.0 | 3.0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 41 | 27 | 143 | 29.5 | 6.5 | 1 |
Professional career
Draft and New York Giants (2010–2013)
Linval Joseph was selected by the New York Giants in the second round (46th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of East Carolina University.[1] The Giants signed him to a four-year rookie contract shortly after the draft, valued at approximately $4.31 million with a signing bonus of $1.53 million. As a rookie in 2010, Joseph primarily served in a rotational role on the defensive line, appearing in six games without a start and recording eight combined tackles (six solo, two assisted) while remaining inactive for the other 10 contests.[1] His limited snaps reflected the Giants' depth at defensive tackle, where veterans like Barry Cofield and Osi Umenyiora anchored the front.[25] Joseph's role expanded significantly in 2011 following Cofield's departure in free agency, as he started 15 of 16 regular-season games and logged 763 defensive snaps.[26] He tallied 49 combined tackles (34 solo, 15 assisted), two sacks, and four passes defensed, contributing to a Giants defense that ranked 10th in the NFL in points allowed (21.4 per game).[1] Joseph played a part in New York's surprising playoff run, starting all four postseason games and helping secure the franchise's second Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLVI with two tackles in a 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots.[1][27] In 2012, Joseph solidified his status as a starter, appearing in all 16 games with 16 starts and achieving career highs of 59 combined tackles (33 solo, 26 assisted) and four sacks, along with one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.[1] His performance helped the Giants' defense generate consistent pressure, though the team finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs. The following year, 2013, Joseph started 15 of 15 games, again recording 59 combined tackles (34 solo, 25 assisted) and three sacks, while adding eight tackles for loss and one forced fumble.[1] Despite interest in extending his contract amid ongoing negotiations, Joseph completed his rookie deal without a new agreement and entered unrestricted free agency in March 2014.[28] Over four seasons with the Giants from 2010 to 2013, Joseph appeared in 53 regular-season games (46 starts), accumulating 175 combined tackles, nine sacks, and 12 tackles for loss.[1] His development from a situational player to a reliable interior lineman provided stability to New York's defensive front during a period of transition.Minnesota Vikings (2014–2019)
Joseph signed a five-year, $31.25 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on March 11, 2014, marking his transition to the team as a starting defensive tackle. In his debut season, he started all 16 games, recording 47 combined tackles and 3.0 sacks while contributing to the Vikings' defensive line that ranked 12th in the NFL against the run.[1] Early in training camp, Joseph was grazed in the calf by a stray bullet during a nightclub shooting in Minneapolis on August 9, 2014, but he was treated for a minor injury and returned to practice within days, missing no regular-season action. During the 2015 season, Joseph earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 9 after a standout performance in the Vikings' 21–18 overtime victory over the St. Louis Rams, where he tallied 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and three tackles for loss. Limited to 12 games due to a toe injury, he still amassed 56 combined tackles and 0.5 sacks, helping anchor a Vikings defense that led the NFL in total yards allowed.[1] Joseph's performance elevated in 2016, when he started all 16 games and recorded 77 combined tackles—his career high—along with 4.0 sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.[1] He followed with another Pro Bowl nod in 2017 after starting all 16 games with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks, playing a pivotal role in the Vikings' NFC Championship run by leading the defensive line with 93 tackles (per team records) and helping limit opponents to 3.6 yards per carry on rushes.[29] In 2018, despite missing one game, Joseph started 15 contests, notching 58 tackles and 1.0 sack while returning a fumble 64 yards for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, securing his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.[1] His 2019 campaign saw him start 13 games with 44 tackles and 3.0 sacks before the Vikings released him on March 13, 2020, to manage salary cap space.[30] Over his six seasons with Minnesota, Joseph started all 88 games he played, accumulating 350 combined tackles, 15.0 sacks, and establishing himself as one of the league's premier nose tackles with consistent run-stopping prowess.[1] On August 5, 2017, he signed a five-year extension worth up to $50 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed, underscoring his value to the franchise.Los Angeles Chargers (2020–2021)
Joseph signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers on March 18, 2020, following his release from the Minnesota Vikings.[31] This move addressed a key need on the interior defensive line amid the team's rebuild under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who aimed to strengthen the front four after the retirement of veteran nose tackle Brandon Mebane.[32] Joseph's veteran experience, including multiple Pro Bowl selections with the Vikings, positioned him as a stabilizing force to anchor the run defense and support edge rushers like Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.[33] In his debut season with the Chargers, Joseph started all 16 games, logging 62 combined tackles (33 solo), three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits while playing primarily as the nose tackle in Bradley's 4-3 base scheme.[1] He adapted effectively to the system, which emphasized gap control and two-gapping to free up linebackers, contributing to a defensive unit that ranked 18th in rushing yards allowed per game (119.9). Joseph's physical presence helped mitigate some early-season struggles, though the Chargers finished 7-9 and out of playoff contention. Joseph appeared in 14 games during the 2021 season, starting 12, and recorded 57 combined tackles (30 solo), one sack, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.[1] He continued to serve as a rotational anchor in Bradley's scheme, focusing on run disruption while occasionally sliding to a 3-technique role to create interior pressure.[33] The Chargers improved to a 9-8 record but missed the playoffs after a late-season collapse, with Joseph's efforts helping limit opponents to 126.5 rushing yards per game (20th in the NFL).[34] Following the expiration of his contract after the 2021 campaign, Joseph became an unrestricted free agent in March 2022.[35] Over two seasons in Los Angeles, he started 28 of 30 games, amassing 119 combined tackles and one sack while providing leadership during the defensive transition.[1]Philadelphia Eagles (2022)
Joseph signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on November 16, 2022, to a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million, including incentives, following his release from the Los Angeles Chargers earlier that year.[36][37] The 34-year-old defensive tackle joined a defensive line depleted by injuries to rookies Jordan Davis (ankle) and Marlon Tuipulotu (knee), providing immediate veteran depth as a space-eating nose tackle behind Pro Bowl starter Fletcher Cox.[38][39] In his eight regular-season appearances, all starts, Joseph logged 189 defensive snaps (38% of team total) and recorded 20 total tackles (eight solo), including 0.5 sack and one quarterback hit.[1] His presence helped stabilize the Eagles' run defense during a late-season surge, as Philadelphia allowed just 89.5 rushing yards per game over the final eight contests while ranking first in the NFL in scoring defense (15.2 points allowed per game).[40] Joseph missed one game due to illness but otherwise rotated effectively, contributing to a defensive unit that generated 41 sacks in that stretch.[41] Joseph appeared in all three of the Eagles' postseason games during their run to Super Bowl LVII, starting each and playing 58 total snaps.[42] In the NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he recovered a crucial fumble forced by linebacker Haason Reddick on quarterback Brock Purdy in the first quarter, setting up a field goal that helped secure the 31-7 win. He added one assisted tackle in the playoffs overall and one fumble recovery, though the Eagles fell 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.[1] Joseph's contract expired after the season, making him an unrestricted free agent in March 2023.[43]Buffalo Bills (2023)
On November 2, 2023, Linval Joseph signed a one-year veteran minimum contract worth $1.52 million with the Buffalo Bills to bolster their defensive line depth following the season-ending pectoral injury to starting defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.[44] The 35-year-old veteran, who had been a free agent after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles, brought immediate experience to a Bills rotation hampered by injuries, playing primarily as a one-technique tackle focused on run stopping.[45] Joseph appeared in seven regular-season games for Buffalo, recording 12 total tackles (seven solo) and 1.0 sack while operating in a rotational capacity that limited him to about 15% of defensive snaps.[46] His contributions helped stabilize the Bills' front during their 11-6 regular season, in which they clinched the AFC East division and advanced to the playoffs. Defensive line coach Eric Washington praised Joseph's debut performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, noting his ability to "control the middle of the defense on some of the gap-scheme, downfield runs," highlighting his leadership and effectiveness in run defense despite modest overall snaps (PFF overall grade of 68.2).[47] In the postseason, Joseph saw action in the Bills' Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Divisional Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded one tackle in the 27-24 defeat—a matchup that evoked his prior playoff experience against the Chiefs from his time with the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.[48] His season totals remained modest due to the late arrival, and he was not re-signed by Buffalo following the campaign, entering free agency once more.[46]Dallas Cowboys (2024)
In August 2024, Linval Joseph signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Dallas Cowboys, including a $750,000 signing bonus and $2 million in guarantees, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer from their time together in Minnesota.[35][49] Joseph quickly earned a starting role on the defensive line, appearing in all 17 games and recording 19 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble while providing rotational depth and run support.[50] Joseph's contributions came during the Cowboys' 7–10 season in 2024.[51] As a veteran presence, he offered stability alongside younger linemen such as Mazi Smith, helping to bolster the unit's overall performance and development.[52] Following the 2024 season, Joseph became an unrestricted free agent. As of November 2025, Joseph remains an unsigned free agent.[53]Awards and honors
Pro Bowl selections
Linval Joseph earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2017 following a standout 2016 season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he recorded 77 combined tackles and 4.0 sacks while anchoring the defensive line.[54][1] This marked his initial recognition as one of the league's top interior defensive linemen, selected as an injury replacement for Aaron Donald.[54] In 2018, Joseph secured back-to-back Pro Bowl honors after the 2017 season, during which he tallied 68 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks, earning praise for his run-stopping prowess that bolstered the Vikings' defense.[55][1] His consistent performance helped protect the team's secondary by disrupting opposing offenses at the line of scrimmage.[1] Despite maintaining solid play in subsequent seasons, including 58 combined tackles and 1.0 sack in 2018, Joseph received no additional Pro Bowl nods after 2018, for a career total of two selections.[1]Other NFL and college recognitions
In addition to his Pro Bowl selections, Joseph earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance in Week 9 of the 2015 season, during which the Minnesota Vikings defeated the St. Louis Rams 21–18 in overtime; he recorded 10 tackles (7 solo) and 0.5 sack in that game.[56] In 2015, Joseph was named to the Pro Football Focus First-Team All-Pro as nose tackle.[1] Joseph contributed to the New York Giants' victory in Super Bowl XLVI following the 2011 season, starting at defensive tackle and tallying 2 tackles in the 21–17 win over the New England Patriots.[1] He later appeared in Super Bowl LVII with the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2022 season, though the team fell 38–35 to the Kansas City Chiefs.[57] Joseph has not received any official Associated Press All-Pro selections during his NFL career.[1] During his college tenure at East Carolina University, Joseph was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2007 after appearing in all 13 games with 4 starts and recording 40 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss.[2] As a junior in 2009, he earned first-team All-Conference USA honors from league coaches, highlighted by 60 tackles and 13.0 tackles for loss while helping the Pirates reach the Liberty Bowl.[23][15]NFL career statistics
Regular season
Linval Joseph has appeared in 203 regular-season games over 15 NFL seasons from 2010 to 2024, starting 170 of them. His career totals include 695 combined tackles (403 solo, 292 assisted), 28.5 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.[1] The following table summarizes Joseph's year-by-year regular-season statistics:| Year | Team | Games (G) | Starts (GS) | Combined Tackles | Solo | Assisted | Sacks | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | NYG | 6 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | NYG | 16 | 15 | 49 | 34 | 15 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | NYG | 16 | 16 | 59 | 33 | 26 | 4.0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2013 | NYG | 15 | 15 | 59 | 34 | 25 | 3.0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | MIN | 16 | 16 | 47 | 28 | 19 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | MIN | 12 | 12 | 56 | 42 | 14 | 0.5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | MIN | 16 | 16 | 77 | 37 | 40 | 4.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2017 | MIN | 16 | 16 | 68 | 40 | 28 | 3.5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 | MIN | 15 | 15 | 58 | 36 | 22 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | MIN | 13 | 13 | 44 | 26 | 18 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | LAC | 16 | 16 | 62 | 33 | 29 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | LAC | 14 | 12 | 57 | 30 | 27 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | PHI | 8 | 8 | 20 | 8 | 12 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | BUF | 7 | 0 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | DAL | 17 | 0 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | - | 203 | 170 | 695 | 403 | 292 | 28.5 | 9 | 5 |