The Minnesota Vikings said defensive end Everson Griffen was receiving care and had left his house late Wednesday afternoon, after the Pro Bowler called law enforcement early that morning, claiming someone was in his residence and trying to kill him.
"Law enforcement agencies have notified us Everson Griffen came out of his home without incident and is now getting the care he needs," read the Vikings' statement. "We are thankful to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the Carver County Sheriff's Office, the Minnetrista Police Department and the Orono Police Department for their quick response and dedication to ensuring the situation ended peacefully. Our focus remains on Everson's health and safety and providing the proper resources for him and his family."
The Minnetrista Public Safety Department said it received a 911 call from Griffen at 3 a.m., saying a person was inside his home and he needed help from law enforcement. Griffin relayed to the 911 dispatcher he had fired a weapon and no one inside the house was injured.
In an Instagram post that was later deleted, Griffen posted that he was in his home and that someone was "trying to pop me." He described his gun, adding it was registered to him and that he "bought all my bullets around town."
The Vikings said Wednesday they sent mental health professionals from the team to Griffen's home, and that they were working with police.
Griffen, 33, took leave from Minnesota in 2018 to receive treatment for mental health issues. He spent the first 10 seasons of his NFL career with the Vikings, then split time between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys in 2020 before signing a deal with Minnesota after training camp. The four-time Pro Bowler has 85.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in his career.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was asked during his news conference Wednesday whether Griffen would play Sunday against the 49ers. “No, that’s really not our concern right now. It’s really about him," he said.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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