Viking Everson Griffen Visits Richfield Middle School

Many Richfield Middle School students welcomed Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen last Thursday.

Sixth-graded Erik Larson won the "Bring a Viking to School" contest and in came Griffen with two cheerleaders and two vikings staff.

Here's how RMS Assistant Prinicipal Emily Lilja Parker described the experience.

He talked with the kids about the hard work that is required to be successful, and the importance of good grades as the first step toward achieving their dreams.  He then answered questions that the students had prepared in advance. Some examples:  

Devyn Madsen asked: "What was the difference between playing for college and playing for the pros?" Griffen replied that now, the players are smarter, faster, and stronger.

James Omlie asked: "Were you scared in your first pro game?" Griffen replied: "I was nervous, but after the first play, I knew I could do this!" 

Laygi Morales Febres asked: "When did you first know you wanted to be a football player?" He told her he was a baseball player until he broke his arm, then switched to football his freshman year.  

Then Griffen & the cheerleaders signed autographs and took pictures with the students.