Former Minnesota Viking Everson Griffen Arrested for Driving Violation in Winona

Winona, MN (KROC-AM News)- A former member of the Minnesota Vikings was arrested in southeast Minnesota on Thursday. 

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The Winona County Jail Roster indicates retired NFL defensive lineman Everson Griffen was booked into the Winona County Jail shortly after 9 p.m.

Winona police say he was arrested on suspicion of gross misdemeanor ignition interlock violation. 

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Former Vikings DL Everson Griffen Arrested for Ignition Interlock Violation in Winona

Griffen was stopped for speeding on Riverview Dr. in Winona shortly after 8:12 p.m. An officer clocked the 38-year-old traveling 62 mph in the 40 mph zone, according to the Winona Police Department. 

Everson Griffen. Winona County Jail Roster

The vehicle he was driving was not equipped with ignition interlock, which is required for his driving privileges, police say.

He has not been formally charged as of 10:00 Friday morning. 

Past Convictions

Court records indicate Griffen was sentenced to four years probation in November 2024 after being convicted of third-degree DWI in Hennepin County. 

He was also convicted of misdemeanor reckless driving last October after he was caught traveling at a speed of 130 mph in Hennepin County. 

12-Year Playing Career

Griffen was selected in the 4th round out of USC by the Vikings during the 2010 NFL draft. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, spending 11 of those seasons with the Vikings. 

He was second-team all pro in 2017 and made four Pro Bowls during his career. 

Stephen Maturen, Getty Images

He finished his career with the Vikings in 2021, totaling 85.5 sacks and forcing 11 fumbles over the course of his 12 NFL seasons, according to Pro Football Reference.