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Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen may not be physically with the team at the moment, but he’s definitely still with them in spirit.
There was no better example of that than when nose tackle Armon Watts caught up with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second quarter Thursday night, December 9, bringing the signal caller down and registering a sack. After making the play, Watts sprung up from the field and performed a celebration with which most Vikings fans are familiar — his teammate Griffen’s famous “sack daddy” dance.
Steven Van Over, of Sports Talk Line, tweeted video of the play the night of the game.
Andrew Krammer, of the Star Tribune, took to Twitter himself the following week with Watts’ explanation as to why he wanted to pay homage to his fellow defensive lineman.
I’ve always been close to him… just to honor him in that way meant a lot to me, getting a chance to do it,” Watts told Krammer. “I know he’s working on some things and getting better each and every day. That’s what’s important.”
Griffen on Non-Football Injury List as he Tends to Mental Health
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Getty ImagesEverson Griffen celebrates a sack against the then-Oakland Raiders in 2019.
On November 24, Griffen posted a self-recorded video to his Instagram account, during which he was brandishing a gun inside his home while waving the camera erratically and speaking quickly in a paranoid tone. He later called the police, saying he believed an intruder was in his home with intent to do him harm, but then refused to exit the home upon the police’s arrival.
Several days later, on December 3, Griffen took to Instagram to post a picture of his family and reveal to the world that he suffers from a mental health condition.
“It’s true I am bipolar. I will embrace it and I will be an advocate for mental health,” Griffen wrote. “I been running from it a long time. I’m not ashamed of it anymore.”
He continued on with the candid caption, detailing when he believes his bipolar disorder began manifesting, then expressing his gratitude for the support he’s received.
“It all started when my mother passed away. Went into a dark place, thought I was great for many years,” Griffen continued. “I promise this time I will do everything the experts say and my wife. I love my family and I miss my friends. Thank you for all the love and support, but most of all thank you for all the prayers.”
The Vikings organization, which publicly voiced its concern for Griffen before he made his IG announcement, placed the defensive end on the Non-Football Injury or Illness List (NFI) while he is away from the team tending to his mental health needs.
Former Pro-Bowler Still Integral Piece of Vikings Defense
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GettyEverson Griffen was checked into a hospital for a mental evaluation.
The same as when a player is sent to the injured reserve list (IR) during the season, Griffen is obligated to sit out three games after the Vikings designated him to the NFI list. The most important considerations remain Griffen’s mental health and general well-being, but that doesn’t mean Minnesota doesn’t miss his presence on the field.
The three-time former Pro-Bowl pass rusher is playing his 12th season in the NFL, after the Vikings selected him in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent 11 of those years in Minnesota, splitting the 2020 campaign between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions before coming home to Minnesota.
Griffen has recorded 79.5 sacks for the Vikings over those 11 seasons, including 5 sacks in 9 games played this year. The defensive end has already sat out two of the mandatory three Sundays the rules dictate he miss. He will also watch from the sideline on December 20 when the Vikings take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Following that game, the Vikings will have the opportunity to reassess Griffen’s situation.