THE NFL star who posted a worrying gun video to Instagram on Wednesday had previously disclosed a battle with "emotional distress" after his mom's sudden death.

Speaking in 2020, Minnesota Vikings player Everson Griffen told how two years prior he had "lived in a sober house for three months."

Police rushed to Griffen's home on Wednesday after he posted a worrying video showing him holding a gun and locking himself inside the property.

The video appeared on the defensive end's social media on Wednesday alongside screenshots of text conversations that included phrases "I need help" and "people are trying to kill me."

'ERRATIC BEHAVIOR'

In a 2020 interview Griffen described how he had wanted to "reset" after a struggle with his mental health.

That came after his mother's sudden death in 2012.

His agent Brian Murphy said that  Everson's "erratic behavior" was a result of "unprocessed emotions from a lifetime of really unfortunate and painful experiences — including his mother's death – finally boiled over the top."

He also underwent a mental health evaluation after outbursts in practice, an incident at a hotel where police were called and going to teammate Trae Wanyes shirtless and uninvited.

Griffen said: "I'm happy that 2018 happened, because I wouldn't be sitting here today, being able to tell my story and showing teams that I am strong, I am healthy.

"I'm doing everything possible to make sure that 2018 doesn't happen again. And it will not happen."

PREVIOUS CONCERNS

According to a police report from September 2018, the Vikings expressed mental health concerns for the troubled star.

The 2018 report highlighted Griffen's behavior at a Vikings practice, described by a team official as "explosive, screaming and yelling." 

Following the 2018 incident, Griffen apologized to the team in a social media post expressed his gratitude.

He said: "I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from my family, the Vikings organization, my teammates and our tremendous fan base."

In Wednesday's disturbing video, Griffen is seen clutching a handgun and claiming people wanted to shoot him.

"Yo, yo, yo, I'm in my house, n***** tried to pop me. I still got clips left, this is my gun, 45 Wilson Combat registered to me I bought all my bullets around town."

Griffen goes on the claim Vikings running back Dalvin Cook "helped him purchase this gun."

"It all belongs to me and they are registered to me. So, I know exactly where I bought them, I got the card I got them one. I got everything."

FANS CONCERNED

Cook later confirmed he did not know why Griffen mentioned him in video.

The Minnesota Vikings issued a statement after fans expressed concern about the star on Wednesday.

"Vikings representatives and the team's mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Griffen's home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement.

"Our only concern at this time is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family. We will have further comments at the appropriate time," the team said.

Head coach Mike Zimmer added that he's worried for Griffen as well, saying he was not sure if his player was "safe."

"We're only concerned about his well-being," he said.

POLICE CALLED

Griffen called 911 shortly after 3am this morning and said someone was inside his home, adding that he needed help.

Cops said that Griffen, 33, told the dispatcher that he had fired a weapon but that no one was hurt.

Law enforcement officials said that when they arrived at the home, they were unable to find an intruder.

Psychologists have been in ongoing communication with Griffen, who refuses to come out of the home, cops said.

"At this time, law enforcement officers are confident Griffen is alone inside the home and continue to work with him to resolve the situation," officials said.

Griffen spent 10 seasons with the Vikings from 2010-19, appearing in 147 games, 88 of which were starts.

He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, but traded to the Detroit Lions later that year, then re-signed with the Vikings in August 2021.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

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