What Happened to Everson Griffen? Know About His Mental Health Battle
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 24, 2023
Who is Everson Griffen?
Everson Griffen is a true American football warrior, was born on December 22, 1987, destined for greatness on the gridiron. Hailing from Agua Fria High School, he honed his skills and unleashed his raw talent on the college football stage at USC, leaving fans and scouts in awe of his potential. In 2010, the Minnesota Vikings saw something special in this defensive dynamo, selecting him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Little did they know that they had just secured a gridiron gladiator who would become a legend in their ranks.
For an impressive decade, Griffen wore the purple and gold with pride, leaving a trail of shattered offensive lines and bewildered quarterbacks in his wake. Four Pro Bowl appearances testified to his dominance, and the stadium roared with thunderous applause each time he took the field. But as the game of football goes, journeys take unexpected turns. In 2020, the call of new challenges beckoned, leading him to the Dallas Cowboys. Although in a different uniform, Griffen's fire on the field remained undiminished, his tenacity unmatched.
A trade to the Detroit Lions tested his resolve, yet true warriors adapt and endure. The heart of a Viking still beat within him, and destiny led him back to his rightful home in August 2021. The Minnesota Vikings embraced their prodigal son, welcoming him back with open arms. Beyond his on-field prowess, Griffen's journey has been one of courage and perseverance. He bravely confronted personal battles, revealing his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, proving that strength lies not only in physicality but also in the fortitude of the mind and spirit.
Now, as a free agent, the future is uncertain, but one thing remains indisputable: Everson Griffen's passion for the game and unwavering dedication to excellence are the hallmarks of a true gridiron hero. A warrior with a heart of gold and the soul of a lion, his legacy will forever echo through the annals of football history. The cheers of fans, the respect of opponents, and the love of a team make Everson Griffen an indomitable force in the sport he loves. And as he stands on the threshold of new challenges, one can only imagine the greatness that still awaits this football legend.
What Happened to Everson Griffen?
Everson Griffen, the former Minnesota Vikings defensive end, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The arrest took place on a Saturday, as reported by records from Carver County Jail. Griffen was taken into police custody at 12:42 PM and was released approximately an hour later. As of the available information, it remains uncertain whether formal charges were filed against him in relation to the suspected DWI incident.
Everson Griffen is a well-known figure in the NFL, having been a four-time Pro Bowler during his decade-long tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. After leaving the Vikings in 2020, he briefly played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. However, he returned to the Vikings for another season in 2021. It's important to note that Everson Griffen has faced challenges related to mental health. Two years ago, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
This revelation came after two significant incidents in Minnesota. In one such episode in 2021, Griffen posted multiple videos on Instagram showing a handgun he claimed to have acquired with the help of former teammate Dalvin Cook. He also asserted that intruders were attempting to enter his residence. However, the police investigation did not find any intruders in the vicinity, and Griffen refused to leave his home for several hours.
After discussions with law enforcement and Vikings team psychologists, he eventually agreed to be taken to a mental health facility for evaluation and assistance. There are no further details on what happened to Everson Griffen after his recent DWI arrest or the subsequent developments regarding potential formal charges or legal proceedings.
Everson Griffen Mental Health Battle
In 2021, NFL player Everson Griffen, a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings, bravely opened up about his mental health struggles. Following an alarming incident in November of that year, where he barricaded himself in his home and called 911 to report an intruder, he decided to share his journey with the world. On his Instagram account, Griffen expressed gratitude to his fans and followers for their support during the challenging time.
He revealed that he had been battling mental health issues for a long time and disclosed that he has bipolar disorder. Embracing his diagnosis, he pledged to be an advocate for mental health, vowing to follow the guidance of experts and his wife in managing his condition. The root of Griffen's mental health challenges can be traced back to a tragic event in 2012 when his mother passed away suddenly while visiting him. The loss of his mother plunged him into a dark place, and he admitted that he had been running away from his mental health struggles for years.
However, in his candid Instagram post, he expressed a newfound acceptance and no longer felt ashamed of his condition. Griffen acknowledged the importance of his family, expressing his love for them and the friends he missed during his difficult times. He credited his wife, Tiffany Brandt, for being a pillar of support in his life. The couple has been married since 2014 and share three children.
This was not the first time that Griffen's mental health struggles had come to public attention. In 2018, he had missed several games with the Vikings due to erratic behavior, which included showing up shirtless at a teammate's home and making comments about people trying to harm him. Despite these challenges, Griffen has shown resilience and a determination to seek help and support.
The NFL has recognized the significance of mental health and has taken steps to provide resources for players. In 2019, the league mandated that each team should have at least one therapist or psychologist on staff. Furthermore, the NFL launched a video series to highlight available mental health resources for both players and fans. The Pro Football Hall of Fame also offers a behavioral health program for players and their families.
Everson Griffen's decision to share his mental health journey has shed light on the importance of mental health awareness in professional sports. His courage in speaking out not only helps break the stigma surrounding mental illness but also encourages others to seek help and support. In doing so, he has become an advocate for mental health, demonstrating that strength lies not only in physical prowess but also in embracing and addressing the challenges of mental health with openness and vulnerability.
Everson Griffen Family
Everson Griffen's family is a testament to love, growth, and the power of positive influence. On July 5, 2014, Everson tied the knot with Tiffany Brandt, a woman who has been by his side since 2012. Their love story has been a source of transformation and inspiration for Everson, who openly credits Tiffany with changing him for the better. In an interview with Bleacher Report in 2017, Everson expressed his pride in his family, emphasizing that they are what matters most to him. Becoming a husband and a father has been a transformative experience for him, and he cherishes his role in their lives.
The couple's love has blossomed over the years, resulting in the birth of three beautiful children: Greyson, Ellis, and Sebastian. These little ones have become the light of their parents' lives, and Everson's Instagram post on November 23 spoke volumes about his adoration for his family. Honoring their son Sebastian on his fourth birthday, Everson took the opportunity to express his deep appreciation for his wife, Tiffany. He praised her as the driving force behind their boys growing into handsome young men, a testament to the love and care she pours into their lives.
While Tiffany prefers to maintain a level of privacy, she is a cherished presence in Everson's life, often featuring on his Instagram, where he openly shares his love and admiration for her. Though her own Instagram profile remains private, her biography speaks volumes about her role in the family. Describing herself as "Mrs. Griffen" and "Mommy to my three princes," it is evident that her role as a devoted wife and a loving mother brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
Everson and Tiffany's journey began at Blondie's, a now-closed bar in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where their paths crossed and sparked the flame of their love story. Since then, their lives have been intertwined in a beautiful tapestry of love, grace, and gratitude. The Griffen family stands as a shining example of love's transformative power, of the strength that comes from a tight-knit family unit, and of the blessings that unfold when two souls find each other and embark on a journey of love and commitment. As they continue to grow together, the legacy of their love will undoubtedly inspire and touch the hearts of many.
Everson Griffen Net Worth
Everson Griffen's primary source of income was his professional football career in the National Football League (NFL). During his time in the NFL, he earned significant income as a defensive end playing for teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions. NFL players receive salaries and bonuses as per their contracts, which can vary depending on their experience, performance, and market value.
Additionally, professional athletes like Everson Griffen often earn income from various endorsement deals and sponsorships. These endorsements can include partnerships with sports brands, apparel companies, and other businesses that want to associate themselves with the athlete's popularity and image.
Name
Everson Griffen
Net Worth
$5 million
Profession
Footballer
Source of income
Through his Career
Everson Griffen Net Worth
What Happened to Everson Griffen - FAQs
Everson Griffen, the former Minnesota Vikings defensive end, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The arrest took place on a Saturday, as reported by records from Carver County Jail. Griffen was taken into police custody at 12:42 PM and was released approximately an hour later. As of the available information, it remains uncertain whether formal charges were filed against him in relation to the suspected DWI incident.
Everson Griffen earned four Pro Bowl selections during his decade-long tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.
After leaving the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Everson Griffen briefly played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions before returning to the Vikings for another season in 2021.
Everson Griffen has faced challenges related to mental health and revealed that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago.
In 2021, Everson Griffen posted multiple videos on Instagram displaying a handgun he claimed was acquired with the help of former teammate Dalvin Cook. He also asserted that intruders were attempting to enter his residence. However, the police investigation found no intruders in the vicinity, and Griffen refused to leave his home for several hours. Following discussions with law enforcement and Vikings team psychologists, he eventually agreed to be taken to a mental health facility for evaluation and assistance.