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Former Vikings Pro Bowl edge rusher Everson Griffen
Former Minnesota Vikings star Everson Griffen made headlines on Wednesday, July 16, for his behavior on a Delta Airlines flight.
The former four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher was on a jet leaving Chicago for Minneapolis that, according to flight records obtained by TMZ Sports, was grounded due to a passenger’s “unruly behavior.”
“Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and will always work with law enforcement to that end,” a Delta spokesperson told TMZ Sports. “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel as safety and security comes before everything else at Delta.”
TMZ Sports identified the passenger as Griffen, who was accused of creating a scene on the plane. It’s unclear whether Griffen was arrested for the matter.
On Wednesday, Griffen posted a video on his Instagram story of his arrival at O’Hare International Airport with the message: “We out Chicago! It’s up, it better be.”
Griffen, 37, last played in 2021 before a manic episode at his home in Minnesota led to him taking a leave of absence from the Vikings. He revealed later that year that he deals with bipolar disorder.
Griffen ranks eighth all-time in Vikings history with 79.5 career sacks with the team.
Everson Griffen Has Recent DWI History
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Griffen has made headlines since stepping away from football.
In May 2024, Griffen was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, careless driving and fifth-degree drug possession. It was one of several driving offenses since he left the Vikings.
“In the months following [a] July 2023 drunken driving charge, Griffen crashed his car into a fence and gazebo in Mound, on [October 28]. He was cited and convicted of failure to drive with due care, a petty misdemeanor. On [December 7] in Shakopee, police stopped him for driving 55 mph in a 30 mph zone. He was convicted of a petty misdemeanor in that case as well,” The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Jeff Day wrote.
After his arrest in May 2024, Griffen wrote in the plea document, according to the Star Tribune: “I operated my motor vehicle carelessly. Specifically, I drove at a high rate of speed while weaving in and out of traffic, after consuming alcohol. I believe my driving conduct thus endangered myself and others.”
Griffen Makes Honest Statement on Being Bipolar
After stepping away from football in 2021, Griffen revealed his struggles with mental health in a heartfelt message on social media.
Griffen posted a photo on Instagram that includes his family, with the following message, saying he is bipolar:
It’s true I am bipolar. I will embrace it and I will be an advocate for mental health. I been running from it a long time. I’m not ashamed of it anymore. It all started when my mother passed away. Went into a dark place, thought I was great for many years. I promise this time I will do everything the experts say and my wife. I love my family and I miss my friends. Thank you for all the love and support, but most of all thank you for all the prayers.
Many Vikings fans joined in supporting Griffen for his vulnerability.
The post garnered over 30,000 likes in the first 24 hours and was met with an outpour of support from his teammates.
Vikings cornerback Kris Boyd replied, saying, “love you forever! And forever here.”
Many teammates echoed Boyd’s message, including Ezra Cleveland, Anthony Barr, Armon Watts, Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum. Ex-Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo also expressed his support, saying, “Love you big dawg!”
Trevor Squire is a sports journalist covering the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks. Trevor studied journalism at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities, making stops at the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @trevordsquire. More about Trevor Squire
