The Minnesota Vikings released a statement Wednesday morning expressing their concern for the safety and well-being of Everson Griffen following an incident at the defensive end’s home.
Earlier in the day, Griffen posted screenshots on Instagram of text messages to his agent asking him to call 911 and saying, “People are trying to kill me.”
According to the Star Tribune, a since-deleted video posted to Griffen’s Instagram account showed the 33-year-old player holding a gun.
“Vikings representatives and the team’s mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Griffen’s home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement,” the team statement said. “Our only concern is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family. We will have further comment at the appropriate time.”
The Minnetrista Police Department released a statement saying they were called to Griffen’s home after he placed a 911 call shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday, requesting “help from the police” because someone “was inside his home.”
“Griffen also told the 911 dispatcher that he fired a weapon but nobody was injured,” per the statement, adding that law enforcement agencies were unable to locate an intruder.
“Since approximately 7 a.m., law enforcement and psychologists from the Minnesota Vikings have been in on-going communication with Griffen, who has refused to come out of his residence. At this time, law enforcement officers are confident Griffen is alone inside the home and continue to work with him to resolve the situation.”
Head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters he learned of the developing situation early Wednesday morning. Zimmer deferred questions to general manager Rick Spielman, who is expected to provide an update later in the day.
In September 2018, the Vikings ordered Griffen to seek a mental health evaluation and treatment after a series of events that raised concerns with his teammates, team personnel and family. In one incident, police said he threatened to assault employees at a downtown Minneapolis hotel if they didn’t let him into his room. He was also screaming and yelling and acting paranoid at practice, per reports.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Griffen has five sacks and 10 quarterback hits in nine games (six starts) this season.
He has 85.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 170 career games (96 starts) for the Vikings (2010-19, 2021), Dallas Cowboys (2020) and Detroit Lions (2020).
–Field Level Media
