5 best Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks of the 21st century
By Adam Patrick
5. Cedric Griffin (2006 – 2011)
Griffin probably could have been higher on this list if not for him suffering two ACL tears during his time with the Vikings.
He was selected by Minnesota in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft and he played pretty well during his rookie season, appearing in 14 games and starting in seven of them. In his second year with the Vikings in 2007, Griffin was the team’s starting right cornerback for the entire season.
He struggled during his first year as a full-time starter, but eventually he became an important piece of Minnesota’s defense in 2008 and 2009. Griffin’s four interceptions in the 2009 season led the team and the corner appeared to be on his way to a long career with the Vikings.
However, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the 2009 NFC Championship and then a torn ACL in his right knee just five weeks into Minnesota’s 2010 season.
Griffin played decent during his return to the field in 2011, but the Vikings ultimately decided to release him in 2012. His 14 forced fumbles during his time in the Twin Cities are still the most of any Minnesota cornerback since 2000.