Defensive end Everson Griffen hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2021 season, but he is not ready to throw in the towel on returning to the field.
Griffen’s second stint with the Vikings ended with him landing on the non-football illness while dealing with mental health issues and he missed time for similar reasons during the 2018 season as well. Griffen has had multiple arrests for driving under the influence since he last played in the league, but told Josina Anderson on The Exhibit Show that he’s been sober for a year and hopes to resume his career.
“My desire is to play again. . . . I know the things that I’ve done,” Griffen said. “I’ve burnt bridges, but I feel like that’s reparable. I’m willing to do anything to mend them. I’m saying clear, you don’t have to worry about me going back to using again.”
Griffen had 85.5 sacks during his career, but is 38 and the baggage of his time away from the game isn’t likely to fade away despite his sobriety. Griffen was charged with driving without an ignition interlock device after being stopped for speeding in Minnesota last week. Griffen was required to use the device, which blocks a car from starting unless the operator passes a breathalyzer test, after his previous legal problems.
Anderson asked Griffen about last week’s incident and he said that he’s no longer mandated to use the interlock as long as he passes a driving test, but failed it when he took it and “forgot” when he got in a car that did not have the device installed. That matter will make its way through the legal system, but the timing is unlikely to help Griffen convince NFL teams that he’s in position to overcome his age and layoff to become a productive player once again.
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