The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a stunning upset of the Detroit Lions in Week 17, and, just as he often has for the past 13-plus seasons, Harrison Smith was a big reason why.
After the game, Smith spoke candidly and emotionally.
The six-time Pro Bowler and 2017 First Team All-Pro is approaching a crossroads not just with the Vikings, but in his career. That reality was not lost on Smith in the Vikings’ locker room after they played the role of spoiler on Christmas Day.
Harrison Smith Gets Candid After Vikings Win
GettyHarrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with a steak following the 23-10 win against the Detroit Lions.
“We are so incredibly lucky to get to witness @HarriSmith22 play football,” the Vikings posted on X following the veteran’s inception off Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the third quarter of the then-10-7 contest.
The question for Smith and the Vikings is how much longer it will be what it is all about for him.
He is on an expiring $10.2 million contract and has been the subject of retirement speculation for several offseasons.
“I can’t speak on that right now,” Smith told reporters postgame. “I’m a very much in-the-moment type of guy. So, I’m gonna enjoy this with the guys I’ve gone to work with, and enjoy my family and the holidays, and that’ll handle itself when it does.”
He did just that, enjoying the Prime Sports-provided spread with several of his teammates.
However, Smith also made sure to show appreciation for the Vikings fans for a “white out” at home.
Harrison Smith Thanks Fans
GettyHarrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings is interviewed following the 23-10 win against the Detroit Lions.
Smith got a resounding round of applause during the game’s final two-minute warning, and fans maintained their energy as he participated in an interview with ex-Vikings linebacker Ben Leber.
“It’s unbelievable. As a kid playing the game, you never think you’re gonna end up here, with all this love from these great fans,” Smith told Leber. “Anytime we can come out here, walk between the white lines, there’s just nothing better.”
In the locker room, Smith could hardly contain his emotions over the fan’s response.
“I don’t want to get emotional about it, but it’s pretty special,” Smith said. “The fans here have never experienced a Super Bowl. Always show up. And for them to keep showing up….
“It just shows how much they love their team. How much they love everything that goes into it. We’re out of the playoffs. Everybody shows up in white, they do their part. And one of these days, they’ll get it [a Super Bowl].”
Throughout his interview with Leber, various Lions figures approached and congratulated Smith.
Smith has faced Detroit 26 times in his illustrious career following Thursday’s tilt. With the win, he improved his record against the Vikings’ NFC North rival to 15-11.
“It means a lot,” Smith said of the displays. “They’re a fantastic organization. They play very hard. They’ve given us fits the last few years. And there’s mutual respect in this game, even though it’s a heated rivalry. Just glad to get the win.”
Harrison Smith Has Historic Day
GettyHarrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions.
Vikings Communications posted on X on December 25 that Smith “recorded his first sack of the season, bringing his career total to 21.5. With 38 career interceptions, Smith joined Ronde Barber as the only players in NFL history with at least 38 career interceptions and 21.5 sacks.
“The sack also marked Smith’s 50th career tackle for loss, becoming just the 10th DB since 1999 – when TFLs began being tracked – to reach 50 career TFLs. Smith became just the fourth player in NFL history to record 50 TFLs and 100 passes defensed while playing 200+ games, joining Charles Woodson (1998-2015), Brian Dawkins (1996-2011) and Ronde Barber (1997-2012).”
Smith was again deferential, citing the group’s effort to stifle the Lions.
“It’s pretty awesome to be mentioned with a guy like that, in Ronde. But today was one of the best defensive performances as a unit we’ve–I’ve ever been a part of. Guys were flying around, we were having fun, and that’s what it was about.”
Smith praised his teammates’ “aggressiveness.” He also said Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores allows them to “do some different things.” It is all in efforts to “keep the guessing.”
As for his interception, Smith was conflicted.
“I wanted to throw it in the stands,” Smith said with a chuckle in the Vikings’ locker room. “But I was like, ‘I kind of want to keep the ball.’ It’s– I’m 36 years old, be 37, here, in a few months–but it’s like being a kid again.”
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