Situation at home of Vikings player Everson Griffen ends peacefully

Police responded to the home of Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on Wednesday following concerning social media posts and a 911 call from his home.

According to the Minnetrista Police Department, Griffen had called 911 shortly after 3 a.m. and said someone was inside his home and that he needed help. Police said Griffen told the 911 dispatcher he had fired a weapon but that no one was hurt.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials said they were unable to find an intruder in the home.

Police were on the scene until the situation ended peacefully in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Griffen’s social media accounts carried screenshots of text conversations that included the phrases "I need help" and "people are trying to kill me" as well as a video depicting Griffen holding a gun.

The team said it has staff members at Griffen’s home working with law enforcement.

"Vikings representatives and the team’s mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Griffen’s home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement. Our only concern at this time is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family. We will have further comment at the appropriate time," the statement read.

Concerns have previously surfaced regarding Griffen’s mental health.

Police reports from 2018 indicated Griffen’s behavior at a Vikings practice was disruptive to the point he was ordered to get a mental health evaluation before being allowed to rejoin the team. Griffen’s behavior at that time was described by a team official as "explosive, screaming and yelling."

A Minneapolis police incident report filed the same month, in which Griffen’s name was redacted, stated that Griffen had allegedly threatened to shoot members of the Hotel Ivy staff unless he was allowed into his room. A source confirmed to KSTP-TV that Griffen was the person identified in the report. No gun was ever found, according to the report, and Griffen was allowed by police to leave the hotel on his own accord.

In a social media post following the 2018 incidents, Griffen apologized to those affected by his actions and expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from my family, the Vikings organization, my teammates and our tremendous fan base."

Griffen spent 10 seasons with the Vikings from 2010-19, appearing in 147 games, 88 of which were starts. Over the course of his tenure with the Vikings, he recorded 86 tackles for loss and 74.5 sacks, which rank third and fourth in franchise history. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, was traded to the Detroit Lions later that year, then re-signed with the Vikings in August this year.