Everson Griffen, the former Minnesota Vikings star and four-time Pro Bowler once celebrated for terrorizing NFL quarterbacks, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. On Wednesday, passengers on a Delta flight from Chicago to Minneapolis found their journey abruptly cut short when the plane turned around to remove the 37-year-old defensive end for allegedly unruly behavior. The mid-air disruption forced the aircraft to land back at O’Hare International Airport, leaving fellow travelers stranded and reviving questions about Griffen’s troubled history off the field. It’s the latest public crisis for a man whose personal battles have long played out in the spotlight.
Former NFL Pro Bowler Everson Griffen’s Delta Air Lines meltdown forces Chicago return, spotlighting mental health struggles
The drama unfolded Wednesday morning aboard a Delta Air Lines flight that departed Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at 10:56 a.m. CDT. Shortly after takeoff, the Minneapolis-bound aircraft was forced to reverse course due to what the airline called “an unruly passenger.” Flight logs show it landed back in Chicago at 12:09 p.m. CDT, confirming the unscheduled return.While Delta did not specify Griffen’s actions on the flight, the airline was clear about its stance.“Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and will always work with law enforcement to that end,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel as safety and security comes before everything else at Delta.”Details about Everson Griffen’s behavior remain murky, and it’s unclear whether he was arrested after being escorted off the plane. Earlier in the day, however, Griffen appeared carefree, even sharing an upbeat Instagram Story from a car on the way to the airport.The 6-foot-3, 273-pound defensive end played in the NFL from 2010 to 2021, building a reputation as one of the league’s most fearsome pass rushers. But his off-field challenges have been equally high-profile. In 2021, Griffen alarmed fans and authorities after posting a disturbing video on Instagram from his Minnetrista, Minnesota home.“Yo, yo, yo,” he said while waving a handgun. “I’m in my house. N****** trying to pop me. I still got clips left. This is my gun, .45 Wilson Combat, registered to me,” he explained. He also claimed Vikings running back Dalvin Cook “helped me purchase this gun.”Later that morning, Griffen called 911 around 3 a.m. to report an intruder at his home, telling dispatchers he had fired his weapon. The Minnetrista Police Department later said no intruder was ever found but confirmed they spent hours negotiating with Griffen.“At this time, law enforcement officers are confident Griffen is alone inside the home and continue to work with him to resolve the situation,” police said.Griffen ultimately exited peacefully, with the Vikings coordinating to send mental health professionals to help.
Everson Griffen’s NFL legacy clouded by mental health struggles and controversy
Wednesday’s dramatic in-flight incident is the latest in a series of troubling moments for Griffen, who has openly acknowledged battling mental health issues, including a 2018 “nervous breakdown” in which he threatened to shoot hotel staff and jump from an ambulance. Now retired with three sons and his wife Tiffany, Griffen’s NFL legacy as a four-time Pro Bowler is unmistakable—but so too is the question of whether he’s receiving the help he needs to avoid more headlines like this in the future.Also Read: Chilling 911 call details emerge as Cleveland Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins faces domestic violence charge
