Wrapped around Linval Joseph’s right elbow is the Vikings’ Norseman logo wearing sunglasses and an oxygen mask. The tattoo commemorates Joseph’s first NFL touchdown, which came last season against Sunday’s opponent, the Eagles.
An internet meme emerged from a viral image of Joseph, an out-of-breath nose tackle adorned in shades and a breathing mask on the bench after he returned a Carson Wentz fumble 64 yards for a touchdown in Philadelphia.
“At first, I didn’t like it too much,” Joseph said Friday.
Defensive about his gold-standard conditioning, the 330-pound Joseph said the oxygen mask “wasn’t even working” when he used it to prepare for the next series.