On Thursday, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was named NFC Defensive player of the month for October after recording six sacks in five games.
Griffen, an eight-year veteran for Minnesota, also forced two fumbles and had 18 tackles — second most among NFC defensive ends — during the month. It’s the second time he’s won the award.
Minnesota Vikings DE Everson Griffen (97) celebrates during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. (Photo: Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports)
Before he was a centerpiece of an NFL defense, and before he played for three years at USC, Griffen was a two-way star as a defensive lineman and running back at Agua Fria (Avondale, Ariz.). It was there that he earned a nod on the 2006 All-USA First-Team Defense.
After three years with the Trojans, Griffen was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2010.
Now, the 29-year-old is having a career year, already amassing 10 sacks as part of a Vikings defense that ranks third in yards allowed per game (282.1) and fourth in points allowed per game (16.9). Minnesota currently is atop the NFC North at 6-2, and the Agua Fria product is a major reason why.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.