Everson Griffen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Everson Griffen

Griffen with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020
No. 97, 98
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1987-12-22) December 22, 1987 (age 37) Avondale, Arizona, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	273 lb (124 kg)
Career information
High school:	Agua Fria (Avondale)
College:	USC (2007–2009)
NFL Draft:	2010 / Round: 4 / Pick: 100
Career history
Minnesota Vikings (2010–2019) Dallas Cowboys (2020) Detroit Lions (2020) Minnesota Vikings (2021)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Pro (2017) 4× Pro Bowl (2015–2017, 2019) Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2007) Second-team All-Pac-10 (2009)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 403 Sacks: 85.5 Forced fumbles: 10 Fumble recoveries: 6 Interceptions: 2 Pass deflections: 20 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

Everson Griffen (born December 22, 1987) is an American former professional football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Griffen went to Agua Fria High School and played college football for the USC Trojans. The Minnesota Vikings picked him in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played for the Vikings for 10 seasons. Later, he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. He was then traded to the Detroit Lions that same year. Griffen returned to the Vikings in August 2021.

Early Life and High School Football

Everson Griffen grew up in Avondale, Arizona. He went to Agua Fria High School, the same school as famous Vikings player Randall McDaniel. At Agua Fria, Griffen was a star player. He played both as a defensive lineman and a running back for the Owls high school football team.

Junior Year Highlights

In his junior year, Griffen ran for 794 yards. He scored eight touchdowns on 142 carries. He also caught 12 passes for 168 yards. On defense, he made 47 tackles, five sacks, and recovered three fumbles.

Senior Year Achievements

During his senior year, Griffen was even better. He had 77 tackles and 16 sacks as a defensive end. He also ran for 1,251 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He was named Super Prep Player of the Year and Scout.com Player of the Year. Many groups like Parade and EA Sports named him an All-American. He was also the Gatorade Arizona Player of the Year.

Track and Field Success

Griffen was also a great track & field athlete. He was one of Arizona's best in throwing events. In 2007, he won both the shot put and discus events at the 4A I State Meet. He threw the shot put 17.67 meters (58 feet). His discus throw was 55.11 meters (180 feet, 8 inches). He was nicknamed "the Freak" because of his amazing speed and size. He also earned first-team honors in basketball.

College Recruiting Process

After high school, Griffen was chosen to play in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He visited several top colleges. These included USC, Michigan, and Notre Dame. He decided to play for the USC Trojans on November 24, 2006.

College Football Career

Freshman Season (2007)

Griffen after a 2008 preseason fall practice

Griffen had a strong first year as a backup defensive end in 2007. He played mainly when the team needed to rush the passer. He played in all 13 games and started two. He made 21 tackles, including 5.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and recovered one. He was the first USC freshman defensive lineman to start an opening game since 1986.

In a game against Oregon State, Griffen had six tackles and 3.5 sacks. This earned him National Freshman of the Week honors. He was named to several Freshman All-American teams. He was also the Sporting News Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Sophomore Season (2008)

Griffen heading into Notre Dame Stadium with then-defensive coor. Nick Holt.

In 2008, Griffen was a special player for rushing the passer. He was a backup defensive end. He played in 12 games and started the first three. He recorded 18 tackles, including 4.5 sacks.

Junior Season (2009)

Griffen finished the 2009 season with 45 total tackles. He also had eight sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. He was named second-team All-Pac-10.

College Statistics Overview

Professional Football Career

After USC's win in the 2009 Emerald Bowl, Griffen decided to enter the 2010 NFL draft. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he showed off his speed and strength. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds. He also bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times.

First Time with the Minnesota Vikings

2010 Season: Rookie Year

Griffen was picked by the Minnesota Vikings as the 100th player overall in the 2010 NFL draft. He played in 11 games in his first year. He finished his rookie season with 11 tackles.

2011 Season: Special Teams Role

In his second season, Griffen played in all 16 games. He was often on special teams, helping the Vikings set a team record for kickoff returns. He also had 4 sacks, which was fourth-best on the team. His special teams tackles ranked second on the team. He got his first career sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2012 Season: First Touchdown

Griffen in 2012

Griffen had a strong finish to the 2012 season. He recorded five sacks and one interception returned for a touchdown. He also had 16 quarterback hurries in the last seven games. In Week 15, he scored his first career touchdown. He intercepted a pass and ran it 29 yards for a score. This was a big play in a key win for the Vikings. He had a career-best 3 sacks in the final game against Green Bay. This win helped the Vikings make the playoffs.

2013 Season: Versatile Defender

In 2013, Griffen played all over the defensive line. He played in all 16 games. He finished the season with 5.5 sacks. He recorded a game-winning strip-sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers in London. He ended the season with 27 tackles and a forced fumble.

2014 Season: Breakout Year

Griffen rushing Jay Cutler, 2014

On March 9, 2014, Griffen signed a new contract with the Vikings. He had a great season as a full-time starter. He started all 16 games, after only one start in his first four years. He had a career-high nine tackles and 3 sacks against the Buffalo Bills. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in October. He also returned a blocked punt for a 43-yard touchdown. Griffen finished with a career-best 12 sacks, leading the team.

2015 Season: Pro Bowl Selection

Griffen was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 17. He had two sacks against the Green Bay Packers. One of his sacks caused a fumble that led to a touchdown. He finished the year with 10.5 sacks. In January, Griffen was chosen for his first career Pro Bowl.

2016 Season: Consistent Performance

Griffen helped the Vikings win their first game in their new stadium. He had a sack and a forced fumble against the Green Bay Packers. He tied his career-high with 3 sacks against the Carolina Panthers. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week again. He finished the season with 48 tackles and eight sacks. His peers ranked him 92nd among the top NFL players of 2017.

2017 Season: All-Pro Recognition

On July 26, 2017, Griffen signed a new contract with the Vikings. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in October. Griffen recorded at least one sack in the first eight games of the season. He was named to his third straight Pro Bowl. In the playoffs, he tipped a pass that led to an interception. The Vikings won and advanced to the NFC Championship. He was ranked 19th by his fellow players in 2018.

2018 Season: Personal Matters

Griffen played in 11 games in the 2018 season. He missed five games due to a personal matter. He finished with 5.5 sacks and 33 tackles.

2019 Season: Fourth Pro Bowl

Griffen returned to football in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. He sacked Matt Ryan in a 28–12 win. In Week 6, he recorded his second career interception. On January 21, 2020, Griffen was named to his fourth Pro Bowl. On February 20, 2020, Griffen decided to become a free agent.

Time with the Dallas Cowboys

On August 16, 2020, Griffen signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He said he chose the Cowboys because he grew up a fan of the team. In Week 2, he recorded his first sack with the Cowboys. This helped the team win a close game. He played in seven games for the Cowboys.

Time with the Detroit Lions

On October 27, 2020, the Cowboys traded Griffen to the Detroit Lions. He played in seven games for the Lions. He recorded 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles.

Second Time with the Minnesota Vikings

On August 23, 2021, Griffen signed a deal to return to the Minnesota Vikings. He was briefly released but re-signed on September 2. Griffen suffered a concussion on September 18. On November 26, Griffen was placed on a special list due to a personal health issue.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Performance

Playoff Performance

Personal Life

Everson Griffen is married to Tiffany. They have three sons together. Their oldest son, Greyson, was born in 2013. Their second son, Ellis, was born in 2015. Their youngest son, Sebastian Gregory, was born in 2017.