Overview

• Minutes after departing Chicago O’Hare, the Delta jet was diverted back to the airport to remove a disruptive passenger, according to flight logs and a Delta spokesperson.
• The unruly passenger was identified as 37-year-old Everson Griffen, who tallied 85.5 sacks and earned four Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career from 2010 to 2021.
• Delta stressed that it works with law enforcement under its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, though officials have not confirmed whether Griffen was arrested.
• Griffen’s post-retirement record includes multiple driving-related arrests and a public bipolar disorder diagnosis that have fueled discussion about athlete mental health.
• The incident caused travel delays and drew an apology from Delta as authorities and Griffen’s representatives have yet to provide further comment.