Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was only a couple questions into his postgame media session in the visiting locker room at Levi's Stadium on Saturday when he was asked about his emotions after the team's 27-10 playoff loss to the 49ers.
"It's tough. We never want it to end this way, and we've just gotta — I don't know. I'm done, man," the 10-year veteran said before ending the interview.
For the 10 teams that make the playoffs and fail to reach the Super Bowl, the ends of seasons always have a sharp abruptness to them. One day, they're preparing for a playoff game that could bring them a step closer to their ultimate goal; the next, players are cleaning out their lockers and making travel arrangement they hoped not to need yet.