Everson Griffen’s Midair Incident Grounds Delta Flight: What Happened Next
Objective reporting, insightful analysis: let us begin. Former Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Everson Griffen was escorted off a Delta Air Lines flight on July 16, 2025 after an alleged episode of unruly behavior prompted the jet to return to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport just minutes into its journey. Flight logs confirm that the Delta connection from Chicago to Minneapolis diverted back at 8:12 a.m., and a Delta spokesperson later issued a statement underscoring the carrier’s zero tolerance policy for passenger misconduct.
According to the airline’s official release, pilots decided to ground the aircraft to allow local law enforcement to remove Griffen for creating a disturbance. The spokesperson conveyed regret for customer delays, emphasizing that “safety and security come before everything else at Delta.” While details about possible legal action remain unverified, sources tell TMZ that no immediate arrest was reported on the tarmac.
Griffen, 37, closed out his NFL career in 2021 after 170 games and 85.5 sacks. He achieved four Pro Bowl selections and was a cornerstone of Minnesota’s defense from 2010 to 2018. His presence on social media earlier that morning suggested a routine journey. A video shared to his followers showed him driving into the airport lot, captioned “We out Chicago!!!” followed by “It’s up, it better be!!!” That post, viewed thousands of times, now stands in stark contrast to the in-flight controversy.
This incident marks the second widely reported airline disturbance involving a former NFL player in recent years. Airlines maintain strict protocols for disruptive behavior, from verbal warnings to flight diversions. The Federal Aviation Administration recorded 4,290 unruly passenger calls in 2023, a 9 percent increase over the previous year. Most cases result in fines or bans from future flights, but serious offenses can trigger federal charges under Title 49 of the U.S. Code. If authorities decide to press charges against Griffen, he could face penalties ranging from monetary fines to potential probation.
Assessing the broader impact, Griffen’s brand image could suffer if the situation escalates. Sponsors and teams typically distance themselves from conduct that threatens passenger safety or public order. Yet his career achievements remain substantial, and many athletes have rebounded from similar controversies. Analysts suggest that clear communication, corrective measures, and a respectful public statement often help celebrities regain public trust.
Delta’s handling of the event reflects an industry-wide shift toward low tolerance for midair disturbances. Customer complaints and safety concerns can lead airlines to act swiftly, prioritizing the comfort of the majority. The episode also raises questions about airline staff training and the thresholds for escalating incidents to law enforcement.
As of now, neither Griffen nor his representatives have offered a formal comment on the flight diversion. More details will follow as authorities review any potential charges and Griffen’s team addresses the public fallout. Stay tuned for further developments.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Delta Air Lines
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
