Everson Griffen of the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Everson Griffen’s beef shouldn’t be with Mike Zimmer
Griffen is still upset with the Vikings for getting rid of him this offseason, though he won’t say it. The veteran defensive end signed with the Dallas Cowboys on a cheap one-year deal before being traded to the Detroit Lions midseason. Griffen hasn’t looked the same since he left Minnesota, but a matchup against his former team has led to a war of words of sorts, though it’s relatively one-sided.
Mike Zimmer was asked about Griffen at his press conference this week. In response, Zimmer thanked Griffen for all the work he put in in a Vikings uniform and called him a “good player.” Griffen was upset, stating both to the media and on social media that he was far more than that. Four Pro Bowls in 10 seasons would suggest Griffen made quite the impact, but perhaps the 32-year-old is in the wrong in this case.
Griffen is in the wrong, even if he can’t see that
Getting rid of Griffen was Rick Spielman’s decision, not Zimmer’s. Sure, Zimmer’s opinion was likely taken into account, but he’s not the sole reason Griffen is no longer in Minnesota. And, frankly, Griffen leaving the Vikings might have been a blessing in disguise for him. Minnesota is struggling this year, especially defensively. Spielman looks quite bad for getting rid of the heart of the Vikings defense. Griffen’s already won.
Griffen is making it his personal mission to make the Vikings pay on Sunday. It’s understandable he’d use a matchup against his former team as motivation, but aiming all of his energy at the players on the field and Zimmer is misplaced enthusiasm. Sure, make Spielman see he’s made a mistake, but don’t burn professional bridges in the process.