The Viking Age
FanSided

Minnesota Vikings: Everson Griffen reaches 50 sacks for his career

By Jordan Schmidt

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has become one of the elite pass rushers in the league, reaching a milestone with his 50th career sack.

Everson Griffen entered the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers just needing one more sack to reach the 50 sack milestone. The 8-year Minnesota Vikings veteran was able to get number 50 and 51 against Big Ben.

50 sacks is a great accomplishment for Griffen who has been a player who sat behind a Hall-of-Famer before getting his opportunity. Griffen’s NFL journey is a unique one that involved patience and trust in the former 4th-round-pick.

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Griffen in the 2010 draft. The Vikings drafted Griffen in the 4th round and he was the 100th overall player selected in the draft.

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings at the conclusion of the Steelers’ 26-9 win at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings at the conclusion of the Steelers’ 26-9 win at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Griffen attended USC where he finished with 18 career sacks. His best season in college was his junior year when he finished with 8 sacks.

The Minnesota Vikings had Jared Allen during this time, letting the young Griffen be a student of one the best pass rushers in NFL history. Griffen sat behind Allen for four years.

During the 2014 offseason, the Vikings had to decide on how to replace Jared Allen. The Vikings had Griffen who has waited for his shot but there were talks about bringing in Michael Johnson from the Bengals.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

However, the Vikings rewarded Griffen and gave him a 5-year, $42.5 million. The move was a surprising one as Griffen was unproven at the time but quickly turned into one of the best signings for the Vikings team.

Griffen proved himself to the Vikings that he was worth the money they gave him right away in his first season as the number one defensive end. He finished with 12 sacks in his first full season as the starter.

The USC product has developed into one of the most feared defensive of players in the NFL. He has the speed, power and every move to make life miserable for the offensive line. One of the best moves Griffen has to rush the quarterback is the spin move. He is so fast and quick that the lineman has no chance.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 10: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at TCFBank Stadium on January 10, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 10: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at TCFBank Stadium on January 10, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Since becoming the starter back in 2014, Griffen has only missed one game and has totaled 30.5 sacks over the last three years.

Next: Griffen named TVA Week 1 defensive MVP

Griffen success earned him a new contract this offseason that was a four-year extension for $58 million. The deal is one that Vikings’ fans love as Griffen continues to dominate the league and is halfway to the 100 sack milestone.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News