On Thursday, August 28, Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith was named team captain for his 14th and potentially final NFL season.
The thoughts on retiring have weighed on the six-time Pro Bowl safety’s mind the past few offseasons. After some consideration, he opted in for what could be his last ride with the only team he’s ever played for, accepting a reworked contract to keep him in purple and gold.
However, Smith, 36, is dealing with personal health issues that could impact him during the 2025 season.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that Smith, who missed the past two weeks of practice, is dealing with a “personal health issue.” He is expected to make a full recovery but will be evaluated weekly, Seifert added.
Vikings’ Harrison Smith Facing Heavy Workload in Vikings Defense Amid Health Concerns
During the offseason, the Vikings had several decisions to make in their safety room: Smith’s contract was due for a rework; Camryn Bynum was a pending free agent; and Josh Metellus was entering the final year of his contract.
The Vikings opted to let Bynum walk in free agency, eventually signing a lucrative deal with the Indianapolis Colts, and sticking with Smith and Metellus. Metellus garnered a three-year extension, while Smith is on the final year of his deal.
While Minnesota is exploring adding another cornerback ahead of the season opener, the decision to only roster four cornerbacks comes with Brian Flores’ precedent of playing three safeties in nickel packages.
The past two seasons, the combination of Smith, Metellus and Bynum has played over 1,000 snaps each. Theo Jackson will step up in Bynum’s place, but if Smith misses any time, Jay Ward is the only other safety rostered to take his spot.
Harrison Smith Makes Emotional Announcement on Pondering Retirement
In the aftermath of the Vikings’ season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Smith was emotional, understanding it may be the last season he would play with both Bynum and Metellus.
“I prefer not to have them on camera,” Smith said of the tears he was fighting back. “But, um, 44 [Metellus] is a special guy; 24 [Bynum] and 44. I felt like I have been a mentor, of sorts. Seen them grow into really, really special players, great people. So it’s been a pleasure to be around.”
Smith admitted that Flores was a big reason why he returned last season, which remains the same for the 2025 season as well.
“I was talking earlier. When you’ve played as long as I have, you don’t feel great every day, but playing this year in this defense was some of the most fun I’ve had,” Smith said. “That starts with Flo.”
Asked by sideline reporter Ben Leber what his next steps were after the loss, Smith admitted he hadn’t made a decision.
“I don’t know,” Smith paused. “Probably, chill out for a little bit, figure that out down the road.”
Leber, who played 10 years in the NFL and six with the Vikings, followed up, asking if he had any timeline for his retirement decision.
“I haven’t wanted to think about it, kind of selfishly live in the moment and I’m kind of still in that moment,” Smith replied. “It’ll come when it comes.”
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