Former Dallas Cowboys edge Everson Griffen has found himself back in the headlines, though not for the reasons many expected. The four-time Pro Bowler was arrested on July 24 in Minnesota and later released on bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 28 as the legal process moves forward. But before stepping into a courtroom, Griffen is focused on getting back onto a football field.
During a July 26 interview with reporter Jesina Anderson, the 38-year-old made a heartfelt public appeal to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He asked for just one workout to prove he still has what it takes to return to the NFL. In November 2026, he decided to step away from the game for mental health considerations.
Griffen made emotional plea to Jerry Jones in NFL comeback bid
In the interview, Griffen pleaded for another opportunity to prove he still belongs in the NFL. “This is the best version of myself you’re gonna get, 38, that’s all. I know what I can do. You put me through a workout, I can show you… guaranteed I’ll hit 4.61 or faster (in a 40),” Griffen said.
He also expressed confidence that he could quickly regain playing condition, adding, “Give me 2 1/2 months & I’ll be back in shape.” Griffen pointed to his durability and his pursuit of a career milestone, saying, “I’m 15 away from (100 sacks with 85.5 now)… I haven’t had any surgeries…”
To further reinforce his commitment to staying on the right path, Griffen added, “…You can drug test me, do what you want to do…” His comments reflected both a personal and professional desire to earn one final chance in the NFL while proving he has turned his life around.
Everson Griffen is set to appear in court on August 28
Griffen was arrested in Winona County, Minnesota on July 24. According to multiple reports, authorities pulled him over for allegedly driving 62 mph in a 40 mph zone on Riverview Drive.
Griffen was booked on a gross misdemeanor charge of driving without the required ignition interlock device ( It’s a breathalyzer system installed in certain vehicles that prevents the engine from starting unless the driver registers a 0.00 blood alcohol reading). He was later released after posting bond.
Shortly after the arrest, he addressed the incident on Instagram, insisting there was no alcohol or drug use involved. Griffen explained that his driver’s license had been revoked because he had forgotten to complete a required class and had recently moved, delaying an address update. “I wasn’t drinking, wasn’t smoking, and wasn’t doing anything wrong. Everything is fine,” he wrote, while also emphasizing his continued sobriety.
How good is Griffen?
Griffen entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (No. 100 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2010 NFL Draft after a standout college career at USC, over 12 NFL seasons. He has established himself as one of the league’s most productive pass rushers after appearing in 170 regular-season games. In those 170 games, Griffen posted 399 total tackles, 85.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 20 passes defended. He also returned three fumbles for touchdowns during his career.
The peak of Griffen’s career came during his prime with the Vikings, where he earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2015 through 2018. His best statistical season came in 2017 when he totaled a career-high 13 sacks, 45 tackles and three forced fumbles while helping Minnesota reach the NFC Championship Game.
Griffen later spent time with the Cowboys and Detroit Lions during the 2020 season before returning to Minnesota in 2021, where he finished with five sacks in nine games. He remains 15.5 sacks shy of the 100-sack milestone, a mark he has openly said is fueling his desire to return to the NFL.
It’s up to the Cowboys’ owner whether he wants to give Everson a chance. But before any decision, court is set to decide Griffen’s future in August.
But what’s next in the near future? Griffen is scheduled to make his next court appearance on August 28, when the case is expected to move forward. But before he appears in the court of law, he wants to test his cleats again on the court of football.