History of Everson Griffen in Timeline

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

1969: Marshall Achieved it in 1969

Only Jim Marshall and Jared Allen hold the Vikings record for a sack in at least eight straight games; Marshall achieved it in 1969, Allen in 2011.

1986: First True Freshman Start on Defensive Line in 21 Seasons

In 1986, Tim Ryan was the last USC true freshman to start an opener on the defensive line before Griffen in 2007.

December 22, 1987: Everson Griffen Born

On December 22, 1987, Everson Griffen was born. He would later become a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

2001: First True Freshman to Start on the Defensive Line

In 2001, Shaun Cody was the last true freshman to start on the defensive line before Griffen in 2007.

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.

2005: Earned Nickname 'the Freak'

In 2005, at the Arizona summer camp, Griffen ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, earning him the nickname "the Freak".

November 24, 2006: Committed to USC

On November 24, 2006, Griffen committed to the USC Trojans after considering several other universities.

2006: Senior Season Accolades

During his 2006 senior season, Griffen received numerous honors, including Super Prep Player of the Year and Parade All-American.

2007: Track & Field Achievements

In 2007, Griffen excelled in track and field, winning both the shot put and discus events at the 4A I State Meet.

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.

2007: Freshman All-American Honors

In 2007, Griffen was named to multiple Freshman All-American teams and was the Sporting News Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

2007: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2007, Griffen was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

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.

July 4, 2009: Cited for Noise Violation

On July 4, 2009, Griffen and a teammate were cited for a noise violation at a party on Nantucket Island.

2009: All-Pac-10 Selection

In 2009, Griffen was named second-team All-Pac-10.

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.

January 28, 2011: Arrested for Public Intoxication

On January 28, 2011, Griffen was arrested in Los Angeles for public intoxication.

2011: Allen Achieved it in 2011

Only Jim Marshall and Jared Allen hold the Vikings record for a sack in at least eight straight games; Marshall achieved it in 1969, Allen in 2011.

October 11, 2012: Leave of Absence Following Mother's Death

On October 11, 2012, Griffen was granted an indefinite leave from the team after the death of his mother.

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.

October 18, 2015: Missed Game Due to Illness

On October 18, 2015, Griffen missed the game against the Kansas City Chiefs due to an illness.

2016: First Pro Bowl Selection

On January 14, 2016, Griffen was selected for his first Pro Bowl as a replacement for J.J. Watt.

July 26, 2017: Signed Contract Extension

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

November 23, 2017: Birth of son, Sebastian Gregory

On November 23, 2017, Everson Griffen and his wife Tiffany welcomed their third son, Sebastian Gregory.

December 19, 2017: Third Straight Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Griffen was named to his third straight Pro Bowl.

2017: Ranked 92nd in NFL Top 100

In 2017, Griffen was ranked 92nd by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

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.

September 25, 2018: Mental Health Evaluation

On September 25, 2018, Everson Griffen was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

2018: Played 11 Games in 2018

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

2018: Ranked #19 in NFL Top 100

In 2018, Griffen was ranked #19 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

January 21, 2020: Named to 2020 Pro Bowl

On January 21, 2020, Griffen was named to the 2020 Pro Bowl, replacing Nick Bosa.

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.

November 24, 2021: 911 call and health care facility transport

On November 24, 2021, Everson Griffen called 911 claiming intruders, posted videos with a pistol, and was later transported to a health care facility after contact with law enforcement and team psychologists.

December 3, 2021: Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

On December 3, 2021, Everson Griffen revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

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.