Everson Griffen has missed the last five weeks of the NFL season dealing with serious mental health-related issues. While some key details of Griffen’s departure remain unclear, the Minnesota Vikings defensive end is back with the team and ready to start again.
Griffen’s actions before seeking help included jumping out of an ambulance on the way to a mental health facility. He also threatened to shoot someone in a hotel. He wasn’t arrested for either incident. Now back with the Vikings, Griffen is taking it “one day at a time.” H/T to Deadspin’s Laura Wagner for transcribing.
“It felt great to see my guys. I love each and every one of my teammates,” he said. “They want me to be the wild man and I want to be that wild man, but, you know, I’m just taking it one day at a time in the process and everything, and just getting everything back on track.”
Griffen admitted his ongoing issues were “bigger than football” and he’s eager to get back on track with the team.
“This is bigger than football. This is part of the process. We have a good group of individuals—Minnesota Vikings, doctors, myself, my family—we have a plan in place and we’re going to execute the plan day in and day out, and we’re going to stay on top of it, and that’s our goal.”
While he’s still working through issues, it’s great to see Griffen back with the Vikings and discussing getting himself back on track to productive. It’s never easy to step away to deal with real issues, but Griffen took the time needed and is ready to get back on the field.
