Police officers responded to a 911 call made by Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen at around 3 a.m. CT Wednesday morning. According to the Minnesota Public Safety Department, Griffen said on the call that someone was inside his home and that he needed help from the police. Griffen told the disputer that he fired a weapon but no one was injured. Several troubling posts involving Griffen -- " target="_blank"including a video of Griffen holding a gun -- have been posted on social media.
The Vikings issued a statement Wednesday morning stating that team representatives and mental health professionals have been on-site at Griffen's home. The team has been cooperating with law enforcement, who have been engaging in on-going communication with Griffen since around 7 a.m. Griffen is refusing to leave his home.
"Our only concern at this time is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family," the Vikings said in the statement. "We will have further comment at the appropriate time."
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer started his press conference by addressing Griffen's situation. When asked about Griffen's possible status for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Zimmer said "that's not our concern right now," according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Zimmer, who said that he was made aware of the situation regarding Griffen between 2 and 3 in the morning, added that Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will address the media at some point later in the day.
Griffen took time away from the Vikings in 2018 to work on his mental health. He returned to the Vikings this season after spending the 2020 season with the Cowboys and Lions. The 33-year-old has spent 11 of his 12 NFL seasons with the Vikings, who selected him with the 100th overall pick in the 2010 draft.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Griffen was named a team captain prior to Zimmer's second season as the Vikings' head coach in 2015. Griffen has 85.5 career sacks that includes a career-high 13 sacks during the 2017 season.
We will provide updates on Griffen's
