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Everson Griffen’s dream: Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame

By Adam Carlson

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The Minnesota Vikings selected defensive end Everson Griffen in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft.  At that time, the team saw a raw, athletic player that they hoped would develop into a starting caliber player.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) looks to the field as the Vikings play the New York Jets in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Griffen was patient.  He had to watch future Hall of Fame pass rusher Jared Allen pair up with either Ray Edwards or Brian Robison as the starters and play a rotational role for the team until finally getting his big opportunity during before the 2014 season.  After a great year as a starter, he is eyeing up a couple more career milestones.

Here is what Everson Griffen said his dream was according to an article by Chris Tomasson on the Dickenson Press website:

"“My dream is to be a Pro Bowler and a Hall of Famer.”"

Those are huge goals for a player who is entering his fifth year in the NFL.  However, as of now the only major accolade that Everson Griffen has accomplished to this point is a NFC Defensive Player of the Month award for October of 2014, but the lack of recognition isn’t stopping him from going after his goals.

"“My goals are high,’’ Griffen said Friday at training camp. “My goals are to be All-Pro, and if you’re All-Pro, you’re Pro Bowl. I like keeping my goals to myself, but my sky is the limit, you know. I’ve been hearing all my life I’ve got the potential, and now it’s time. I had a good season last year, and now it’s time to do it consistently over the next seven years of my career.”"

For the first time in his career, Griffen reached double-digit sacks last season.  But like any great NFL player, he’s not happy to rest on his accomplishments.  And if he wants to accomplish those lofty goals that he has placed on himself, he’ll need to reach that elite level soon and maintain that status for much of the remainder of his career.

"“I want to be the world,” he said. “But it’s up to me to put in the consistency and the hard work, starting right now, to get where I want to go. I want to be great, so Hall of Fame, I’ve got to work. … I want to be great.”"

Fans of the Minnesota Vikings already think that Everson Griffen is great.  They know his level of talent and hard work have translated into him becoming an essential part of the team’s defense going forward.  Griffen should rest well knowing that his contributions may not be recognized at the national level, but those that watch him every week know just how important he is.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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