Linval Joseph Played With Torn Labrum In 2013

Linval Joseph, the big defensive tackle that got a big contract from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency this past off-season, revealed on Friday that he played the entire 2013 season with a partially torn labrum. He also revealed that he never told his past employer, the New York Giants, of the injury.

Joseph, who got a 5-year, $31.5 million deal from the Vikings back in March, was limited in the Vikings' off-season program because of the surgery he had to correct that injury. Now he's ready to go full speed, and according to the man in charge, he's looking pretty impressive.

"(Friday) was actually the first day that I really have seen him," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. "He came in at tremendous looking physical shape. He weighs 317 pounds and is benching 500 pounds. Watching him out there at (Friday morning's) walk-through, which does not mean anything, he looks like a nose tackle is supposed to look like."

Seriously, the guy is coming off of a partially torn labrum and he's benching 500 pounds? That's pretty damn impressive.

Joseph might be the first true nose tackle the team has employed since the departure of Pat Williams following the 2010 season. The team is looking to pair him with second-year man Sharrif Floyd in the middle of the defensive line. At one point this off-season, Floyd was tipping the scales at a hefty 330 pounds, but he changed his diet and is now closer to 300.

Linval Joseph had a pretty solid season for the Giants in 2013, all while playing injured. He's now fully healthy and, in the Vikings' new look defense, could be in line for an even bigger season in 2014.