Vikings' Everson Griffen Says He's Bipolar: 'I Will Be an Advocate for Mental Health'

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen announced Friday night he's bipolar and will become an advocate for mental health.

Griffen called police last week saying someone was inside his home. He also made several posts on social media, including one that showed him holding a gun, that raised questions about his well-being. He eventually came out of the house and was transported to a mental health facility.

The 33-year-old NFL player posted an update Friday on Instagram:

"It's true I am bipolar. I will embrace it and I will be an advocate for mental health. I been running from it a long time. I'm not ashamed of it anymore. It all started when my mother passed away. Went into a dark place, thought I was great for many years. I promise this time I will do everything the experts say and my wife. I love my family and I miss my friends. Thank you for all the love and support, but most of all thank you for all the prayers."

The Vikings released a statement following the Nov. 24 incident:

Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman thanked local authorities and the team's ownership group, the Wilf family, for having plans in place to help prevent potential tragedies.

"All I know is that when we got the call this morning, that we immediately—our No. 1 concern was because of Everson, [his wife] Tiffany and his family, how much we love them," Spielman told reporters. "And how much they are a part of this family."

The Vikings placed Griffen on the NFL's reserve/non-football illness list while he received treatment.

Griffen was a fourth-round pick by Minnesota out of USC in the 2010 draft.

After a decade with the Vikings, he split the 2020 campaign between the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions before rejoining the Vikes as a free agent in August. 

The four-time Pro Bowl selection has recorded 377 total tackles and 85.5 sacks across 170 games during his 12-year NFL career.