GREENVILLE, N.C. – Pirate Radio is excited to announce that ECU legend, Super Bowl Champion, and two-time Pro Bowler Linval Joseph will serve as the special guest of honor at the 2026 Pirate Radio Football Kickoff Party on Thursday, September 10, at the Greenville Hilton.
Joseph will make his first return to Greenville since 2009, giving Pirate fans a rare opportunity to welcome home one of the greatest defensive linemen in East Carolina football history.
During his career at ECU from 2007-2009, Joseph recorded 143 tackles, including 29.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. As a junior in 2009, he earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors while helping lead the Pirates to back-to-back Conference USA championships under head coach Skip Holtz. Joseph is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive players in school history and is expected to become a future member of the East Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.
The New York Giants selected Joseph with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Just two seasons later, he helped anchor the Giants’ defense as a starter in Super Bowl XLVI, recording two tackles in New York’s 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots.
Over a distinguished NFL career spanning more than a decade, Joseph earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 and played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys.
The annual Pirate Radio Football Kickoff Party has become one of the premier celebrations leading into the college football season, bringing together Pirate fans, former players, coaches, and supporters from across Eastern North Carolina for an unforgettable night of entertainment and Pirate pride.
Free tickets to the 2026 Pirate Radio Football Kickoff Party will be available beginning in late August. Fans are encouraged to follow @PR927FM on social media and listen to Pirate Radio for ticket announcements, event updates, and additional details.
Event Information
2026 Pirate Radio Football Kickoff Party
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Location: Greenville Hilton
Special Guest: ECU Legend, Super Bowl Champion & Two-Time Pro Bowler Linval Joseph
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Location: Greenville Hilton
Special Guest: ECU Legend, Super Bowl Champion & Two-Time Pro Bowler Linval Joseph
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