By now people know who Everson Griffen is. He’s led the Vikings in sacks the last two seasons and was named to his first Pro Bowl last year.
But his success on the field the last couple of seasons has not gone to his head. The early reviews from Mankato are all raving about the former USC standout.
The Star Tribune’s Mark Craig called Griffen the most impressive player so far after the first week of training camp in Mankato.
“Everson has had two very good seasons and, to me, is a better all-around player than Jared Allen was. But it says something that Griffen is this determined to get even better.”
Since taking over as the Vikings starter at defensive end at the start of the 2014 season, Griffen has 22.5 sacks. His speed, jump off the line of scrimmage and motor have been described as elite by many around the league.
What does it feel like to battle with him in the trenches?
You've heard of mic drops, but @EversonGriffen hits you with a helmet cam drop.
MORE: https://t.co/ncdpIt5OWR pic.twitter.com/Lso59Gu0fQ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 1, 2016
Earlier this week, Griffen donned the helmet cam and a microphone and had a little fun while at Tuesday’s practice, but he says he’s focused on just one thing – winning!
“The only thing that I can do is go out there and help my team win – that’s first and foremost,” Griffen told 1500 ESPN this week. “I let everything else speak for itself. I’m not a guy that needs all the attention. People see what I do in my work. I know what I am capable of doing, and as long as we win the games, I am doing my job right. It doesn’t matter if I fly under the radar or not, because I am going to come out here and work and keep on doing what I have to do to help this team win.”
The good news is that Griffen was able to avoid offseason shoulder surgery. He says he came into camp 100 percent healthy and looking forward to a big year. Well, Everson, so are the Vikings.
