Karl Joseph
{{Short description|American football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Karl Joseph
| image = Karl Joseph INT (50395765856) (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Joseph with the Cleveland Browns in 2020
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|9|8}}
| birth_place = Orlando, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 10
| weight_lbs = 200
| high_school = Edgewater (Orlando, Florida)
| college = West Virginia (2012–2015)
| draftyear = 2016
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 14
| pastteams =
- Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})
- Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2020}})
- Las Vegas Raiders ({{NFL Year|2021}})*
- Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2021}}–{{NFL Year|2022}})
| status =
| highlights =
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- Second-team All-American (2015)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2014)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 305
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 3.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 1
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 5
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 5
| statlabel6 = Pass deflections
| statvalue6 = 20
| pfr = JoseKa00
}}
Karl Myrthell Joseph (born September 8, 1993) is an American professional football safety. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early life
Joseph attended Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. He committed to West Virginia University to play college football.{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2011/12/15/edgewater-ath-karl-joseph-commits-to-west-virginia-bvideob-2/|title=Karl Joseph commits to West Virginia: Karl Joseph commits to West Virginia|work=tribunedigital-orlandosentinel|date=December 15, 2011 }}
College career
Joseph started all 13 games as a true freshman at West Virginia in 2012, recording 104 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack.{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/tracking-the-terps/bal-maryland-has-to-deal-with-physical-west-virginia-safety-karl-joseph-20140910-story.html|title=Maryland has to deal with physical West Virginia safety Karl Joseph - Baltimore Sun|author=Baltimore Sun|date=September 10, 2014|work=baltimoresun.com}} He started all 12 games his sophomore year and had 68 tackles and one interception.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/90234/karl-joseph-growing-into-complete-player|title=West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph a complete player - Big 12 Blog- ESPN|work=ESPN.com|date=October 3, 2014}} He again started all 13 games as a junior in 2014, recording 92 tackles and one interception.{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/sports/college/wvu/8859337-74/joseph-wvu-football|title=WVU safety Joseph is durable, dependable and a punishing hitter|work=Trib Live|date=August 12, 2015}} Joseph started the first four games his senior year in 2015, before suffering a season-ending knee injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/13829456/west-virginia-mountaineers-safety-karl-joseph-season-knee-injury|title=West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph out for season with knee injury|work=ESPN.com|date=October 7, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wvgazettemail.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20151007/GZ02/151009555|title=Charleston Gazette-Mail - WVU's Karl Joseph, who has season-ending knee injury, secured insurance policies|work=Charleston Gazette-Mail|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=March 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318031559/http://www.wvgazettemail.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20151007/GZ02/151009555|url-status=dead}} At the time of the injury, he was leading the nation with five interceptions.{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/osusportsextra/osu-sports-west-virginia-loses-star-safety-karl-joseph-for/article_c89881d5-be5a-5847-9bf3-be93ead9e260.html|title=OSU Sports Extra - OSU Sports: West Virginia loses star safety Karl Joseph for the year|work=OSU Sports Extra|date=October 7, 2015 }}
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Coming out of West Virginia, Joseph was projected by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts to be a second or third round pick. He received an invitation to the NFL combine, but was unable to perform any physical drills due to a knee injury he suffered in October. On April 4, 2016, he was among 22 prospects who performed at West Virginia's pro day, that included Wendell Smallwood, K. J. Dillon, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Daryl Worley. He performed the bench press and met with coaches, team representatives, and scouts from all 32 NFL teams, that included Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.{{cite web| title=Small-school prospect impresses at West Virginia's pro day| url=https://www.nfl.com/news/small-school-prospect-impresses-at-west-virginia-s-pro-day-0ap3000000650397| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=NFL.com| author=Gil Brandt| date=April 4, 2016}} Joseph was ranked the second best strong safety prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and was ranked the seventh best defensive back prospect by Sports Illustrated.
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000639952/Combine-workout-Karl-Joseph Karl Joseph's NFL Combine Workout]
| video2 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000639974/Joseph-I-think-I-m-the-best-football-player-in-this-draft Karl Joseph NFL Combine Interview]
}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 9 5/8
| weight = 205
| bench = 19
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32 1/8
| hand span = 9 3/4
| note = All values are from NFL Combine,{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/karl-joseph/32004a4f-5321-9381-a66d-a3ef93d98b40 |title=Karl Joseph Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=August 10, 2016}} except bench press from Pro Day{{cite web|url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=123804&DraftYear=2016|title=Karl Joseph - West Virginia, SS : 2016 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile|work=DraftScout.com|access-date=August 10, 2016}}
}}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000657173/raiders-pick-karl-joseph-no-14 Raiders draft Joseph 14th overall]
}}
=Oakland Raiders=
==2016==
The Oakland Raiders selected Joseph in the first round (14th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was the first safety drafted in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.raiders.com/team/players-roster/karl-joseph/|title=Oakland Raiders: Karl Joseph|work=Raiders.com|access-date=August 10, 2016}} On May 10, 2016, the Raiders signed Joseph to a fully guaranteed four-year, $11.88 million contract with a signing bonus of $6.84 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-sign-first-round-pick-s-karl-joseph-17134115|title=Raiders sign first-round pick S Karl Joseph|work=Raiders.com|date=May 9, 2016|access-date=August 10, 2016}}{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Karl Joseph contract| url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/oakland-raiders/karl-joseph-18962/| access-date=November 2, 2017| website=spotrac.com}}
Joseph competed with veterans T. J. Carrie and Nate Allen throughout training camp for the vacant starting strong safety role after the departure of Larry Asante.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Oakland Raiders' depth chart: 10/01/2016| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/187/OAK| access-date=November 14, 2017| website=Ourlads.com}} Head coach Jack Del Rio named Joseph the backup strong safety to Nate Allen to begin the {{NFL Year|2016}} season.{{cite web| title=Raiders' Karl Joseph starting rookie season in reserves| url=https://www.numberfire.com/nfl/player-news/28192/raiders-karl-joseph-starting-rookie-season-in-reserves/| access-date=November 14, 2017| website=numberfire.com| date=September 7, 2016}}
He made his professional regular season debut in the Raiders' season-opening 35–34 win at the New Orleans Saints. On September 25, 2016, Joseph made his first career start and recorded a season-high ten combined tackles in the Raiders' 17–10 victory at the Tennessee Titans. On October 9, 2016, he collected six combined tackles, defended a pass, and made his first career interception off of Philip Rivers during a 34–31 victory over the San Diego Chargers.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 6-2016: San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2016100910/2016/REG5/chargers@raiders| access-date=November 14, 2017| website=NFL.com}} During a Week 12 contest against the Houston Texans, Joseph recorded a season-high nine solo tackles in the Raiders' 27–20 victory. During a Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Joseph collected four combined tackles, but left the game after suffering an apparent toe injury that would cause him to miss the last four games of the season (Weeks 14–17).{{cite web| title=Raiders S Karl Joseph out vs. Chiefs with toe injury| url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/raiders-s-karl-joseph-out-vs-chiefs-with-toe-injury-120716%3famp=true| access-date=November 14, 2017| website=foxsports.com| date=December 7, 2016}} He finished the season with 60 combined tackles (44 solo), six pass deflections, and intercepted one pass in 12 games and nine starts. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after a strong rookie season.{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/article/karl-joseph-of-oakland-raiders-makes-pfwas-all-rookie-team-50611283/|title=Karl Joseph makes PFWA's All-Rookie team|work=247sports.com|access-date=June 13, 2017}} Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 75.5, ranking him 50th among all qualifying safeties in 2016. He also received a coverage grade of 79.6, which ranked 29th.{{cite web| title=Karl Joseph leads youth movement in Raiders secondary| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-karl-joseph-leads-youth-movement-in-raiders-secondary| access-date=April 15, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com| author=Guerreli, Mike| date=July 19, 2017}}
The Raiders received a playoff berth after finishing second in the American Football Conference (AFC) West with a 12–4 record. On January 7, 2017, Joseph started in his first career playoff game and recorded four solo tackles as the Raiders lost 14–27 to the Texans in the AFC Wildcard game.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Karl Joseph| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/karljoseph/2555342/gamelogs?season=2016| access-date=November 14, 2017| website=NFL.com}}
==2017==
He started the Raiders' season-opener at the Titans and recorded a season-high nine combined tackles and a pass deflection during their 26–16 victory. The following week, Joseph recorded five combined tackles, his first career sack, and forced a fumble by New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown, that he would recover to set up the Raiders' offense on an eventual touchdown scoring drive. They went on to defeat the Jets 45–20.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170rai.htm|title=New York Jets at Oakland Raiders - September 17th, 2017|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=October 28, 2017}} On September 24, 2017, he collected a season-high eight solo tackles and assisted on a tackle in a 10–27 loss to the Washington Redskins.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Karl Joseph| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/karljoseph/2555342/gamelogs| access-date=November 17, 2017| website=NFL.com}} On October 19, 2017, Joseph recorded four combined tackles and a pass deflection, but exited the Raiders' 31–30 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter after sustaining an injury. He was sidelined for the Raiders' Week 8 loss to the Bills due to a groin injury.{{cite web| title=Raiders-Bills injury report: Karl Joseph doubtful, David Amerson out| url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2017/10/27/16561706/raiders-bills-injury-report-karl-joseph-doubtful-david-amerson-out| access-date=April 15, 2018| website=silverandblackpride.com| author=Damien, Levi| date=October 27, 2017}} In Week 14, Joseph made three solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass by Alex Smith during a 26–15 loss at the Chiefs. On December 31, 2017, the Oakland Raiders fired head coach Jack Del Rio and finished third in the AFC West with a 6–10 record.{{cite web| title=Jack Del Rio fired as Raiders coach amid report of Jon Gruden pursuit| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2017/12/31/jack-del-rio-fired-oakland-raiders/993427001/| access-date=April 15, 2018| website=usatoday.com| author=Peter, John| date=December 31, 2017}} He finished the {{NFL Year|2017}} season with 79 combined tackles (58 solo), four pass deflections, an interception, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Karl Joseph (2017)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/karljoseph/2555342/gamelogs| access-date=April 15, 2018| website=NFL.com}} Pro Football Focus gave Joseph an overall grade of 80.8, ranking him 35th among all qualified safeties in 2017.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Karl Joseph| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/karl-joseph/10648| access-date=April 15, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com}}
==2018==
In Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, Joseph made his first interception of the season off quarterback Josh Rosen in a 23-21 Raiders win. He finished the season playing in 13 games with eight starts, recording 48 combined tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed, and one interception.
In the first eight weeks of the season, Joseph played only eleven snaps. During the trade deadline, it was speculated that the Raiders would be moving on from Joseph. Starting from week 11, Joseph's play improved and he finished the season as the Raiders' highest graded defender according to Pro Football Focus.{{cite web |url=https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/04/raiders-ss-karl-joseph-was-the-teams-highest-graded-defender-in-2018/ |title=Raiders SS Karl Joseph was the team's highest-graded defender in 2018 |last=Mosher |first=Marcus |date=4 February 2019 |website=raiderswire.usatoday.com |access-date=12 April 2019}}
He received an overall grade of 74.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2018, which ranked as the 23rd highest grade among all safeties.{{cite web |title=Pro Football Focus: Karl Joseph |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/karl-joseph/10648 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=profootballfocus.com}}
==2019==
On May 2, 2019, the Raiders declined the fifth-year option on Joseph's contract, making him a free agent in 2020.{{cite web|title=Report: Raiders not expected to pick up 5th year option on Karl Joseph|url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2019/5/2/18527814/report-raiders-not-expected-to-pick-up-5th-year-option-on-karl-joseph|website=SilverAndBlackPride.com|date=May 2, 2019}} He was named a starting safety to start the 2019 season.
In week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, Joseph recorded an interception off Philip Rivers late in the fourth quarter which sealed a 26–24 win. During the interception, Joseph injured his foot.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127907 |title=Raiders rally to beat Chargers 26-24 |date=7 November 2019 |website=ESPN |access-date=7 November 2019}}
He started the first nine games before suffering a foot injury in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on November 9, 2019.{{cite web|title=Raiders sign D.J. Swearinger and Dion Jordan; place Joseph on IR and waive Poling|url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-sign-d-j-swearinger-and-dion-jordan-place-joseph-on-ir-and-waive-poling|website=Raiders.com|date=November 9, 2019}} He finished the season with three passes defensed, an interception, and 49 tackles, which was second on the team at the time.
=Cleveland Browns=
On April 13, 2020, Joseph signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.{{cite web|title=Karl Joseph gives Browns a hard hitter, experience at safety|url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/karl-joseph-gives-browns-a-hard-hitter-experience-at-safety|author=Gribble, Andrew|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=April 13, 2020}} He was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp on August 3, 2020,{{cite news |title=Browns make roster moves |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-make-roster-moves |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=August 3, 2020}} and activated from the list five days later.{{cite news |author=Gribble, Andrew |title=Browns claim CB M.J. Stewart via waivers, make other roster moves |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-claim-cb-m-j-stewart-via-waivers-make-other-roster-moves |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |date=August 8, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2020}} In Week 3 against the Washington Football Team, Joseph recorded his first interception as a Brown during the 30–24 win.{{Cite web |title=Washington Football Team at Cleveland Browns - September 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270cle.htm |access-date=September 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 29, 2020,{{cite news |title=Browns S Karl Joseph to be placed on COVID-19 list |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-s-karl-joseph-to-be-placed-on-covid-19-list |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |date=December 29, 2020 |access-date=February 11, 2021}} and activated on January 2, 2021.{{cite news |title=Browns make roster moves |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-make-roster-moves-x7526 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=February 11, 2021}}
In the wild-card round of the playoffs against the Steelers, Joseph recovered an errant snap by Steelers' center Maurkice Pouncey in the endzone for a Browns' touchdown during the 48–37 win.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 10th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101100pit.htm |access-date=2021-01-10 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In the divisional round of the playoffs against the Chiefs, Joseph intercepted a pass thrown by Chad Henne in the endzone for a touchback during the 22–17 loss.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs - January 17th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101170kan.htm |access-date=2021-01-20 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
Joseph became an unrestricted free agent following the 2020 season.
=Las Vegas Raiders=
Joseph signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on April 12, 2021.{{cite news |title=Raiders sign S Karl Joseph |url=https://www.raiders.com/news/las-vegas-raiders-sign-s-karl-joseph-2021-nfl |website=Raiders.com |date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=April 12, 2021}}{{cite web |title=2021 NFL Transactions: Signings – April |url=https://www.nfl.com/transactions/league/signings/2021/4 |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 12, 2021}} He was released on August 31, 2021.{{cite web|title=Raiders finalize initial 53-man roster for 2021 season|url=https://www.raiders.com/news/las-vegas-raiders-initial-53-man-roster-2021-nfl-season|website=Raiders.com|date=August 31, 2021}}
=Pittsburgh Steelers=
Joseph was signed to the Steelers practice squad on September 1, 2021.{{cite web|title=Steelers add 15 to practice squad|url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-add-15-to-practice-squad|author=Varley, Teresa|website=Steelers.com|date=September 1, 2021}} On October 4, Joseph was promoted to the active roster.{{Cite web|url=https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/09/steelers-53-man-roster-karl-joseph-cody-white-rashaad-coward/|title = Steelers promote S Karl Joseph to 53-man roster, sign WR Cody White to active roster|date = October 9, 2021}} His contract expired when the teams season ended on January 16, 2022. Joseph re-signed with the Steelers on March 31, 2022.{{cite web|title=Steelers sign Avery, Joseph|url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-sign-avery-joseph|website=Steelers.com|date=March 31, 2022}}
On August 16, 2022, Joseph was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.{{cite web|title=Steelers make roster moves on Tuesday|url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-sign-dunkle-make-additional-moves|author=Varley, Teresa|website=Steelers.com|date=August 16, 2022}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR |
| 2016 | OAK
| 12 || 9 || 60 || 44 || 16 || 0.0 || 6 || 1 || 21 || 21.0 || 21 || 0 || 0 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | OAK
| 15 || 15 || 79 || 58 || 21 || 1.0 || 4 || 1 || -1 || -1.0 || -1 || 0 || 1 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | OAK
| 13 || 8 || 48 || 34 || 14 || 2.0 || 2 || 1 || 5 || 5.0 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | OAK
| 9 || 9 || 49 || 38 || 11 || 0.0 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2020 | CLE
| 14 || 8 || 67 || 46 || 21 || 0.0 || 4 || 1 || 49 || 49.0 || 49 || 0 || 0 || 2 | ||||||||||||
| 2021 | PIT
| 2 || 0 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| Total || 65 || 49 || 305 || 221 || 84 || 3.0 || 20 || 5 || 74 || 14.8 || 49 || 0 || 1 || 5 |
Personal life
Joseph is of Haitian descent.{{cite web|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/prospect-profile-karl-joseph-16935260 |title=Prospect Profile: Karl Joseph |editor=Peters, Craig |date=March 18, 2016 |publisher=Vikings |access-date=April 10, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.catscratchreader.com/2016/4/5/11362972/2016-nfl-draft-potential-panther-karl-joseph |title=2016 NFL Draft: Potential Panther? Karl Joseph |editor=Durst |date=April 5, 2016 |publisher=Cat Scratcher Reader (SB Nation) |access-date=April 10, 2016}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=102505&sport=football West Virginia Mountaineers bio]
- {{Football stats |nfl=Karl-Joseph|espn=2976639 |cbs=1983624 |yahoo=29248 |pfr=J/JoseKa00}}
{{2016 NFL Draft}}
{{RaidersFirstPick}}
{{Raiders2016DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Joseph, Karl}}
Category:Players of American football from Orlando, Florida
Category:American sportspeople of Haitian descent
Category:American football safeties
Category:Edgewater High School alumni
Category:West Virginia Mountaineers football players
Category:Oakland Raiders players
Category:Cleveland Browns players