Eden Prairie, MN (January 14, 2016) – Minnesota Vikings DE Everson Griffenhas been named to his first career Pro Bowl after notching his second consecutive season of double-digit sacks. Griffen finished tied for fourth in the NFC and 12th in the NFL with 10.5 sacks this season.

To go along with his team-high 10.5 sacks, Griffen notched 44 tackles (34 solo), 4 PDs, 30 QBHs, 14 TFLs and 1 FF. He saved one of his best performances for the 2015 regular season finale at Lambeau Field when he totaled 6 tackles (5 solo), 2.0 sacks, 3 TFLs, 4 QHs and 1 FF, including a strip-sack which led to a fumble returned for a touchdown. His effort helped the Vikings clinch their first division title since 2009 and earned Griffen the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. 

Griffen totaled 22.5 sacks over the past two seasons, which ranks him sixth among all pass rushers league-wide. He joins RB Adrian Peterson as the second Viking player to be named to the 2016 Pro Bowl. 

The six-year veteran from USC becomes the fifth different DE to be named to the Pro Bowl in Vikings history.

Griffen will replace Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt, who is unable to participate due to injury.

VIKINGS DEFENSIVE ENDS NAMED TO THE PRO BOWL
6 - Chris Doleman - 1987-90, '92-93
6 - Carl Eller - 1968-71, '73-74
4 - Jared Allen - 2008-09, '11-12
2 - Jim Marshall - 1968-69
1 - Everson Griffen - 2015