Harrison Smith who is now the definition of a savvy veteran, truly understands every nuance of his position with 4 times MVP Aaron Rodgers once saying on the Pat McCafee Podcast.
He said, “Mike Zimmer, for a long time, was as hard as it came playing against because they had A’d-up looks, you know, double A-gap and then double edges, and they had every variation. Both edge guys, four to a side, four to the other side, both inside guys, drop those guys out, and the best disguisers in the game including Harrison Smith, who’s been there forever"
In 2012 the Minnesota Vikings traded up with the Baltimore Ravens to the 29th overall pick to draft a player that they had no links to and nobody saw coming.
USC's Robert Woods hauls in a pass from Mitch Mustain as Notre Dame defenders Jamoris Slaughter, bottom, and Harrison Smith make the tackle in the 4th quarter at the Coliseum Saturday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Vikings staff were that year's senior bowl coaching team and Notre Dame's outside linebacker turned safety caught their attention.
His draft profile states, "Harrison is an ultra-athletic, big and smart safety who has roamed the secondary as a four-year starter and senior captain for Notre Dame. He is the type of safety who is always involved, using his quickness, recognition and overall body control to react effectively to plays."
The "Hitman's" rookie year was nothing but exceptional racking up an exceptional 104 tackles, three interceptions and two touchdowns, this all lead to him being named to rookie team of the year.
The following year wasn't as productive as he was hampered by foot injury, Smiths run of excellence truly began in 2015 when he was named to the pro-bowl for the next four seasons.
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 7: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after winning the game in overtime against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 26, 2014 in Tampa, FLorida. (Photo by Scott Iskowitz/Getty Images)
His long time head coach Mike Zimmer once said, "I feel like he's one of the best guys that I've ever had as a safety and that includes a lot of really good players,"
In 2017 he grabbed an all-pro as well as a second team all-pro in 2018, Smith has picked up a few injuries across his career with his long time coach Zimmer famously commenting on this.
He said, ""I know Harrison Smith is a pretty tough guy and he plays all the time. When he's hurt, he plays. He always plays,"
In the latter half of his 14 season career you would maybe expect production to slow down, however some of his most productive seasons have occurred.
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 2: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings intercepts a pass intended for Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers during the game at Lambeau Field on December 2, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won 23-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
In 2022 he recorded a career high 114 tackles, in 2022 a career high five interceptions and in 2023 a sensational three sack one force fumble game.
Overall Harrison Smith is one interception away from entering an elite club of 40 interceptions and 20 sacks, and has been one of the best safeties to ever play the game.
If he decides that this is his final year he will surely be on his way to Canton but I'm sure Vikings fans want him to go for one more run.