Former NFL Player Everson Griffen Removed From Delta Air Lines Flight For Displaying 'Unruly Behavior'

Former NFL player and four-time Pro Bowler Everson Griffen is facing fresh scrutiny after a recent incident in Chicago, Illinois.

Ex-NFL Star Everson Griffen Removed From Delta Air Lines Flight For 'Unruly Behavior'

According to TMZ, Griffen, who joined the league in 2010 and retired in 2021, was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight for what the staff described as "unruly behavior."

Flight records show that just minutes after the plane took off, it returned to Chicago O'Hare.

"Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and will always work with law enforcement to that end," a spokesperson told the publication. "We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel, as safety and security [come] before everything else at Delta."

It's unclear whether Griffen was arrested by law enforcement once he was removed from the flight.

Everson Griffen Has Been In Trouble With The Law

Griffen's latest incident is part of a larger pattern, as the athlete has been in the news for legal issues in the past.

According to Sports Illustrated, in May 2024, Griffen was stopped while driving 82 MPH in a 55 MPH zone by a state trooper, who later noted Griffen's BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.10 percent, which is above the 0.08 legal limit.

The report also stated the former defensive end had cocaine in his possession.

Griffen later pleaded guilty to third-degree drunken driving and was sentenced to 60 days of home confinement.

Inside Everson Griffen's NFL Career

Griffen was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He spent the first decade of his career with the team, during which he became a star player and team captain.

Later, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys before being traded to the Detroit Lions mid-season. He returned to Minnesota in 2021 before stepping away from the league.

In addition to his four Pro Bowl appearances, Griffen was named Second-team All-Pro during his dominant 2017 season. He recorded 85.5 sacks during his 12-year career, 403 total tackles, and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown).

More Trouble For NFL Players

Griffen's latest incident is one of several recent off-the-field controversies involving current and former NFL players.

For those unfamiliar, in May 2025, the Baltimore Ravens released standout kicker Justin Tucker.

"Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances. Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker," the Ravens' general manager, Eric DeCosta, said in a statement.

"Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history," the statement continued. "His reliability, focus, drive, resilience, and extraordinary talent made him one of the league's best kickers for over a decade. We are grateful for Justin's many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives."

Tucker's release came months after more than 15 massage therapists came forward, accusing him of egregious behavior during body sessions. The women, who all requested anonymity, claimed the former Ravens player would make intense eye contact with them during sessions, as well as brushing them with his exposed p-nis.

Three of the women reported that, upon returning to the treatment room after Tucker's sessions, they discovered large wet spots they believed to be ejaculate.

Tucker Denied The Claims In A Passionate Statement

Tucker issued a passionate statement shortly after the allegations were made, slamming the original publisher for sharing "unequivocally false" claims about him.

He explained that he's always sought to conduct himself professionally, and he's never "received any complaints from a massage therapist."

"I have always made a conscious effort to be considerate and respectful in all of the interactions with the community that I love so much," he added. "It is devastating for me to learn that anyone would feel I was offensive in any way."

Tucker continued, "I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session."

"As a matter of principle, I respect when individuals come forward to report misconduct of any kind," he stated. "I support a process that allows claims to be properly investigated. But, for the sake of myself and my family, I cannot allow false claims to go unchallenged."

He finished, "I cannot be any clearer. These allegations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me and, more importantly, my family."