Full Breakdown
Former Vikings Defensive End Everson Griffen Arrested for Speeding and Interlock Violation
7/27/2026, 8:48:09 PM
Core Event
Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was stopped by Winona County police on Riverview Drive in Winona, Minnesota, at 8:12 p.m. on a Thursday night. Police claim he was traveling 62 mph in a 40 mph zone and was subsequently booked on a gross-misdemeanor charge for operating a vehicle without a required interlock device—a breath-alyzer system that prevents a car from starting unless the driver registers a 0.00 reading. After posting bond, Griffen was released from the Winona County Detention Center.
Background & Context
Griffen, a four-time Pro Bowler who recorded 85.5 career sacks, has faced public scrutiny for mental-health crises. In 2021 he posted a 30-second Instagram video brandishing a handgun and later called 911, claiming an intruder was inside his home. Police and Vikings-affiliated mental-health workers intervened in a prolonged standoff that ended peacefully. Griffen later disclosed a bipolar diagnosis and has previously apologized for a 2018 “nervous breakdown” that involved threats toward hotel staff.
Data & Statistics
- Speed recorded: 62 mph (police claim) vs. posted limit 40 mph.
- Charge: gross misdemeanor for lacking an interlock device.
- Court deadline: August 28 (Griffen is due back in court).
Verbatim Quote
- “Nothing happened when I got pulled over last night. My license was revoked because I forgot to complete the required class/test, and I just moved, so I was planning to take care of both the class and the address change on Monday.” — Everson Griffen, former defensive end
What’s Next
Griffen is scheduled to appear before a Minnesota court on August 28 to address the misdemeanor charge. No further legal actions have been announced.
