6 biggest Vikings distractions during the Mike Zimmer era

Everson Griffen’s 2018 season

A few games into the 2018 season, which had already got off to a rough start with the passing of Tony Sparano, there were some strange rumors floating around about Everson Griffen.

Supposedly, he was involved in an incident at a Minneapolis hotel that resulted in the police being called after he allegedly threatened to shoot someone. Police were able to meet up with Griffen after he left the hotel and following their interaction, he eventually checked himself into a hospital to get his mental health back on track.

This hospital stay cost him six games of his 2018 season and his absence was a major distraction for the Vikings early in the year. Mike Zimmer was constantly asked about the incident and Griffen’s well-being. The head coach demonstrated great patience with the constant barrage of questions and he also made it clear numerous times that Griffen’s health was Minnesota’s top concern.

Griffen did return to the team for their final nine games in 2018. But wasn’t his same explosive self, showing the time away negatively affected his play.