Career Timeline of Everson Griffen: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Everson Griffen made an impact.

Everson Griffen is a former American professional football player, recognized as a defensive end in the NFL. He played college football at USC after graduating from Agua Fria High School. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft, he played ten seasons with them. In 2020, Griffen signed with the Dallas Cowboys and was later traded to the Detroit Lions during the same year. He returned to the Vikings in August 2021.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2003: Most Sacks since 2003

In Week 3, Griffen tied a career-high with 3 sacks for losses of a combined 37 yards as the Vikings sacked Cam Newton, which tied the team's third-highest total in a road game and was the most since 2003.

2007: Impressive Freshman Season

In 2007, Griffen had an impressive freshman season, appearing in all 13 games and totaling 21 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

2008: Pass Rush Specialist

In 2008, during his sophomore year, Griffen served as USC's pass rush specialist, appearing in 12 games and starting three.

2009: Declared for NFL Draft

In 2009, after USC's Emerald Bowl victory, Griffen announced he would enter the 2010 NFL draft.

2010: Drafted by Vikings

In 2010, Everson Griffen was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

2010: Impressive NFL Combine Performance

In 2010, Griffen had a standout performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his athletic abilities.

2013: Versatile Role on Defensive Line

In 2013, Griffen played all over the defensive line for the Vikings, recording 5.5 sacks during the season.

March 9, 2014: Re-signed with the Vikings

On March 9, 2014, Griffen re-signed with the Vikings on a five-year contract.

2014: Griffen's Record

Griffen recorded at least one sack in each of the Vikings first eight games and is on pace to break his own record of 12 sacks, a mark he got in the 2014 season.

2014: Double-Digit Sacks

In 2014, Griffen recorded 12 sacks.

July 26, 2017: Signed Contract Extension

On July 26, 2017, Griffen signed a four-year contract extension with the Vikings through the 2022 season.

September 20, 2018: Vikings Letter

On September 20, 2018, Everson Griffen and his agent received a letter from the Minnesota Vikings, stipulating he must undergo a mental health evaluation before returning to the team.

2018: Played 11 Games in 2018

Griffen played in 11 games in the 2018 season and missed five games due to a personal matter.

February 20, 2020: Opted Out of Contract

On February 20, 2020, Griffen opted out of his contract with the Vikings.

August 16, 2020: Signed with Dallas Cowboys

On August 16, 2020, Griffen signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

October 27, 2020: Traded to Detroit Lions

On October 27, 2020, the Dallas Cowboys traded Griffen to the Detroit Lions.

2020: Signed with Cowboys

In 2020, Everson Griffen signed with the Dallas Cowboys after playing for the Vikings for 10 seasons.

August 2021: Re-signed with Vikings

In August 2021, Everson Griffen re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

August 23, 2021: Signed deal with the Minnesota Vikings

On August 23, 2021, Everson Griffen signed a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

2021: Sixth-Round Pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

On October 27, 2020, the Cowboys traded Griffen to the Lions in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick (#192-Quinton Bohanna) in the 2021 NFL draft.