When the Minnesota Vikings let future Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Jared Allen leave following the 2013 season, there was doubt among the NFL’s media that a young man named Everson Griffen could take his place. At this time, Griffen was viewed as a backup or pass rush specialist who was nothing more than a part-time contributor until he was named the starter in 2014.
Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensiive lineman Everson Griffen (97) sacks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Since then, Griffen has gone on to make believers out of many of those who doubted him. While filling the shoes of a player like Jared Allen is nearly impossible, Everson has gone on to make his own mark on the Minnesota Vikings defense through vocal leadership and tireless play. So far this year, he’s accumulated 11 tackles, 3 sacks, two passes defended and 9 quarterback hits.
And while the fans at home and the media are loving what Everson Griffen has brought to the team, Griffen himself knows that the entire locker room and staff has his back and have completely bought into the kind of player he is. Recently, Griffen spoke with Fox Sports about his passion and the love of those surrounding him.
"“When you have people believing in you and coaching staffs believing in you and players believing in you, it just makes you that much more passionate and makes you want to go out there and give them that much more of your effort.”"
In fact, the Minnesota Vikings believed in Griffen enough to vote him in as one of the team captains for the 2015 NFL season.
"“He cares an awful lot about the Vikings, he cares a lot about this organization and he cares about being a good football player,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “I bet you three years ago or whatever he probably wouldn’t have gotten the most votes.”"
It’s hard to believe that Everson Griffen is just 27 years old. It feels as though he’s been a major part of the Minnesota Vikings defense for many years now. And that light usage at the beginning of his career could help extend his effectiveness well into the future for the team.
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews
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