Harrison Smith was a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has played for this franchise for the last 14 seasons, and it appears as if he is probably never going to play in the NFL again. Smith during the 2025 NFL season with Minnesota recorded 54 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and 10 pass deflections.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) eats a steak after the game against the Detroit Lions while being interviewed by Dianna Russini at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Smith is one of the greatest Vikings defensive players over the last 20 seasons and maybe of all-time. There is no doubt that he is going to be a first ballot hall of famer. Smith is also going to wind up in Minnesota’s ring of honor one of these days as well.
Former Minnesota Vikings Safety Harrison Smith Leads Vikings All Defensive Team On PFF Over the Last 20 Seasons
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates after catching an interception against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Nathan Jahnke of profootballfocus.com listed his all Vikings offensive and defensive teams over the last 20 years. At the safety position, he has Anthony Harris and Smith at the safety positions. This is not a surprise by any means and he said about the Minnesota star safety,
“The secondary is the strength of this defense, led by Harrison Smith and Antoine Winfield. Both have built résumés worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Minnesota has not enjoyed the same level of success at cornerback, however. Outside of Winfield, Xavier Rhodes and Everson Griffin earned spots largely because of their longevity, narrowly beating out players such as Captain Munnerlyn and Terence Newman.”
Smith was always a game-wrecker on defense week in and week out. He had five or more interceptions four times. Smith recorded 75 or more tackles 11 times. He is no doubt going to be a first ballot hall of famer. This was one of the best defenders that the Vikings have ever had.
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