As the Vikings prepared to host the Washington Commanders in a rather meaningless game on paper, head coach Kevin O’Connell had a message for his players that he hoped would get them to play with some joy when they put on the pads.
He simply wanted them to imagine what the 16-year-old version of themselves would feel if they knew they went on to play in the NFL.
Not only did that spark something in the Vikings as they rolled to a 31-0 win over the Commanders, it struck a nerve with safety Harrison Smith in the locker room after the game.
As the 36-year-old veteran reflected on what the 16-year-old version of himself would be feeling, his voice cracked and his eyes started to well up with tears.
“That kind of hit home,” Smith said. “Just getting a chance to play in the NFL is fun. So make it fun. This is what we do.”
Asked what sparked that reaction, Smith paused, smiled, then replied, “I’ve played football for a long time.” Though it wasn’t exactly a retirement announcement, Smith was clearly being intentional about stopping to smell the roses.
It would be wise for anybody that has followed Smith closely with the Vikings over the past 15 years to do the same. There will never be anybody else quite like him.
It’s hard to articulate how much Smith has meant to the Vikings since he was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie before establishing himself as the lifeblood of the defense under former head coach Mike Zimmer.
The production speaks for itself as Smith has amassed 1,170 tackles, 20 1/2 sacks, and 38 interceptions in his career. Only defensive end Jim Marshall (270), center Mick Tingelhoff (240), kicker Fred Cox (210), and defensive end Carl Eller (209) have suited up in more games than Smith (203) has with Vikings.
It’s a resume worthy of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It shouldn’t even be a debate. That’s a conversation for another time.
It can be discussed when Smith actually decides it’s time to hang up the cleats for good. That isn’t happening right now. If he proved anything while leading the Vikings to a win over the Commanders, it’s that he’s still got a little bit of gas left in the tank.
After working through a personal health issue earlier this year, Smith has hit his stride in the home stretch. He’s done so while continuing to serve as a leader for the Vikings both on and off the field.
“He’s a guy that has led his way,” O’Connell said. “We all can probably agree that he’s authentically Harry. That’s really good for all of us to be around. I know selfishly for me I’m trying to soak up every moment that I can.”
The performance that Smith put forth for the Vikings against the Commanders was his way of turning back the clock as he hauled in an interception while also toying with starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota on the other end before virtually every snap.
The sequence leading up to the interception, in particular, was Smith at his best, as he diagnosed the play in real time, made an instinctive break on the ball, and caught it clean before gaining as much extra yardage as he could. It actually looked like Smith was going to pitch it to cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. He ultimately decided against it before going down to the ground.
“I could probably do a little better on the return,” Smith said with a laugh. “I’m a little too quick to look to pitch it these days.”
As the Vikings celebrate the win over the Commanders in the locker room, multiple defensive players were asked to describe what Smith has meant to them. They all struggled to effectively sum up his legend.
“He’s special,” edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel said. “I can’t even put it into words.”
There are still more chances to watch Smith play over the next month as the Vikings have games against the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers coming up on the schedule.
It’s worth tuning in.
If the emotions that Smith recently displayed in the locker room suggested anything, it’s that the end of his career might be closer than anybody wants to admit.
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