On July 16, 2025, former Minnesota Vikings star Everson Griffen was removed from a Delta flight following reports of “unruly behavior.” The flight, bound for Minneapolis from Chicago, returned to O’Hare International Airport shortly after takeoff. While details remain sparse, the incident sparked renewed concern about Griffen’s well-being. Known for both his dominant NFL career and personal struggles, Griffen’s story continues to evolve—combining athletic brilliance with moments of turbulence.
🔍 Key Facts or Breaking News Details
- Date of Incident: July 16, 2025
- Airline & Route: Delta Air Lines, Chicago to Minneapolis
- What Happened: Mid-flight disturbance caused the plane to return to O’Hare
- Delta’s Statement: “Zero tolerance for unruly behavior… safety and security come first.”
- Griffen’s Instagram Story: Hours earlier, he shared a cheerful video en route to the airport
Griffen has faced public incidents before, including a 2021 mental health emergency and a 2024 DWI arrest. Though it’s unclear if he was arrested after this flight disturbance, fans quickly reacted with concern across social media. Comments ranged from, “Hope he’s okay,” to, “I wouldn’t want to be the one trying to remove him—dude’s a beast.”
💸 Money Angle / Wealth Perspective
Everson Griffen’s net worth as of July 2025 is estimated between $20 million and $30 million. Despite personal challenges, his on-field production translated into elite earnings and brand power.
NFL Contracts & Earnings
- Rookie Deal (2010–2013): 4 years, $2.33M — $543K signing bonus
- First Extension (2014–2018): 5 years, $42.5M — $19.8M guaranteed
- Second Extension (2019–2020): 4 years, $58M — $34M guaranteed
- 2020 Stints: Dallas Cowboys & Detroit Lions — ~$7M combined
- Final Season (2021): Vikings veteran minimum — ~$1.2M with incentives
✅ Total NFL Career Earnings: ~$64.5M (not including ~$1–2M in bonuses)
Endorsements
While not heavily marketed nationally, Griffen likely earned an additional $2–5 million in sponsorships from brands like Nike, Under Armour, and local Minnesota businesses, especially during his Pro Bowl years (2015–2018).
Other Income
Though he hasn’t pursued high-profile post-retirement ventures, Griffen may have earned $100K–$500K from appearances, small speaking engagements, and social media promotions.
Financial Factors
- Taxes: 30–40% tax liability could have reduced take-home income to $38–45M
- Legal Issues & Lifestyle Costs: Estimated $100K–$500K in legal fees and fines
- Investments & Savings: No public ventures, but modest wealth preservation assumed
📉 Net Worth Estimate: $20M–$30M after expenses, taxes, and investment performance
📈 Career or Performance Background
Early Life & College
- Born: December 22, 1987, Avondale, Arizona
- High School: Agua Fria High School – standout defensive end
- College: USC (2007–2009) – 18 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss under Pete Carroll
NFL Career Overview
- Drafted: 4th round, 100th overall by Minnesota Vikings in 2010
- Teams: Vikings (2010–2019, 2021), Cowboys, Lions (2020)
- Total Stats:
- 170 games
- 85.5 sacks
- 380 tackles
- 9 forced fumbles
Career Highlights
- Pro Bowl Selections: 4 (2015–2018)
- Breakout Year: 2014 – 12 sacks
- Best Season: 2017 – 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, led Vikings to NFC Championship
His reputation as a top-tier edge rusher was solidified by his relentless motor and leadership.
🌟 Brand, Influence & Culture Impact
Despite lacking the commercial flair of some NFL stars, Griffen became a cultural figure within Minnesota sports and the broader NFL fanbase. His raw energy on the field and candid nature off of it resonated with fans, but his personal challenges have become part of his story too.
Mental Health & Public Incidents
- 2018: Mental health evaluation following hotel altercation
- 2021: Instagram video with firearm claiming an intruder was after him
- 2024: DWI arrest in May; license revoked, legal plea deal accepted
- 2025 (Current): Delta Air Lines incident, details still developing
The Vikings consistently supported him during these moments. In 2018 and 2021, they prioritized his well-being, demonstrating a culture of compassion toward players’ mental health.
📌 The Distinct Athlete Angle
At Distinct Athlete, we don’t shy away from complexity. Everson Griffen’s story is a raw reminder that even the fiercest athletes battle personal storms.
- On the field: One of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers, respected by opponents and beloved in Minnesota
- Off the field: A human journey marked by recovery, resilience, and the public struggle to find balance
- Financially: Griffen earned generational wealth, but the true challenge lies in navigating life after football with stability and peace
We honor his impact while acknowledging the real challenges that shape his narrative.
🔗 Related Reads on Distinct Athlete
➡️ Teddy Bridgewater Suspended for Selfless Coaching Investment
➡️ Quinshon Judkins Arrested Amid Domestic Violence Charge
➡️ DESHAUN WATSON WEDS JILLY ANAIS WITH $1.7M RINGS
💬 Join the Conversation
Do you think the NFL provides enough post-career support for players like Everson Griffen?
What part of Griffen’s legacy will stand the test of time—his sack count or his comeback attempts?
Comment below and follow us @DistinctAthlete on Instagram, Facebook, and X for more powerful stories of legacy, wealth, and humanity in sports.
