The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle of the playoff race after stringing together some much-needed wins. However, early in November, Everson Griffen was in the middle of a scary mental health situation in his home. After spending hours talking with police and mental health professionals, Griffen finally left his home peacefully.
On Friday, the Vikings announced they have “placed Everson Griffen on Reserve/Non-Football Illness,” per Adam Schefter. This is a move that was expected, as Griffen is in the middle of acquiring the necessary treatment he needs.
This likely means Griffen is done for the season, as it's more important he recovers from his mental health scare. The NFL has become much more open to mental health awareness, as multiple players have expressed their struggles the last couple of years.
Most recently was AJ Brown of the Tennessee Titans, who admitted he was dealing with suicidal thoughts during the 2020 NFL season. Elijah Moore of the New York Jets is a friend to Brown and helped him through the situation. As for the Vikings, they're doing what's best for Everson Griffen and his family and that's all that matters.
With mental health becoming more of a focal point in today's society, we should be able to find the necessary help required. Due to the NFL's concussion problems in the past, the league is doing everything they can to help with head trauma and mental health. The Vikings are doing what is necessary for Everson Griffen and hopefully, mental health episodes like these become a thing of the past.