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Is Everson Griffen OK? Vikings DE locked himself at home after 'shooting intruder'

Law enforcement confirms the situation 'ended peacefully' after troubling Instagram posts. Vikings said he's getting help while police investigate

Minnesota Vikings fans were in for a bit of a shock on November 24, after a series of troubling Instagram posts by defensive end Everson Griffen. The now-deleted posts claim someone was trying to kill Griffen, and he shot an intruder at his home. Police managed to end the situation peacefully, with Griffen being taken to a local hospital while police investigate. 

Sports stars' mental health has become a huge talking point in 2021 after gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the 2020 Summer Olympics. Tennis star Naomi Osaka also made headlines for her struggles with mental health, which led to a breakdown during a presser after the 2021 Western & Southern Open. The NFL too is no stranger to such issues, with one 2020 study revealing players with long careers twice as likely to develop cognitive and mental health issues.

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The extent of Griffen's woes is unclear, but it's not the first time he's found himself in need of trouble. He's been in trouble with the cops several times in 2018 and opened up about them in 2020. But despite getting the support and help he needs, it seems Griffen's woes continue to trouble him.

'N----r trying to pop me'

Early on November 24 morning, Griffen made a series of troubling Instagram posts, including a video that showed him with a pistol inside his home. "I'm in my house. N----r trying to pop me," he said in the video. In one post, he said, "I need help people trying to kill me. At my own house." After 3:00 AM, he also called 911, making the same claims and saying he shot someone. The Minnetrista Public Safety Department said in a news release that since 7:00 AM, police and Vikings team psychologists were in contact with him, but he refused to come out of the house.

Police say they couldn't find any intruders, but that didn't stop Griffen from remaining locked at home. The standoff ended late in the afternoon, with Griffen finally coming out "without incident." The Vikings also put out a statement saying the 33-year-old was "receiving the care he needs," but did not expand on what that means. Around 2:30 PM he was transported via ambulance to a healthcare facility. 

Teammate Dalvin Cook, who was mentioned in Griffen's video later told the press, "Checking on your loved ones, your brothers, the tough ones that don't show signs of being weak … Just making sure they're OK. That's important in today's world." Cook reportedly attempted to reach out to his teammate earlier via text but received no answer. The case is still under investigation, but in the meantime, social media is flooded with messages of support for the DE.

'Something we all need to learn from'

"I just hope Everson Griffen gets the help he needs. That is all," one person tweeted. Another said, "The Everson Griffen story is something we all need to learn from. Mental health isn’t a joke. I’ve said it before, it doesn’t give a shit who you are, what you do, or how much money you make. Hoping that he is able to get the help he needs to get him in a good place mentally." One user tweeted, "Everyone please say a prayer for Everson Griffen. Pray that he gets the help and support he needs. This is bigger than football. Thanks!"

"Mental health is so important. Hope Everson Griffen is okay," one user commented. Another noted, "I don't think Everson Griffen's video needs to be shared. It's a gut wrenching and an incredibly heartbreaking situation. The effects of deteriorating mental health manifests in so many ways and we all need to understand that it can affect anyone. I hope he's okay." One user tweeted, "Just saw the video of Everson Griffen (no I’m not going to RT). That’s really damn scary. It’s very clear he’s not right, right now & needs help. I really help the Vikings act on this quickly & get him help but something bad happens. Mental illness is no joke."

In case you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please do call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We also urge you to avoid sharing the video Griffen uploaded on social media.