On Sunday afternoon, Harrison Smith received a rousing ovation from the crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium as he took the field for his 200th game with the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran safety was the last player to emerge from the tunnel, a fitting tribute for a player who has dedicated his entire NFL career to the franchise after being selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.
“It’s something that I didn’t set out to think I’d do,” Smith reflected. “To be in a small group of guys that have done it with the Vikings is pretty special.” Smith joins an exclusive list of players in franchise history who have reached this milestone, including Jim Marshall (270 games), Mick Tingelhoff (240), Fred Cox (210), Carl Eller (209), and Scott Studwell (201).
As the anticipation built for the matchup against the Chicago Bears, Head Coach Kevin O’Connell praised Smith’s contributions to the team, describing him as one of his favorite players. “He’s such a special person,” O’Connell stated. “If they were all like Harrison Smith, we would be very fortunate.”
Throughout his career, Smith has compiled impressive statistics, including 1,157 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 37 interceptions, and 13 forced fumbles. His performance has been integral to the Vikings’ defense for over a decade. When asked about his longevity in the sport, Smith credited his commitment to physical fitness, saying, “I do a pretty good job taking care of my body. I’m pretty conscious of what I do and what I don’t do.”
Prior to the game, Smith experienced a heartwarming moment as his wife Madison, daughter Eleanor, and son Pierce led the crowd in the Skol Chant and sounded the Gjallarhorn. “That’s something special that will be pretty cool to look back on for a long time,” he said, noting his family’s nervousness but pride in their performance.
Despite the celebration surrounding his milestone, the game concluded on a somber note for Smith and the Vikings, who lost to the Bears 19-17 on a last-second field goal. After the game, Smith acknowledged the disappointment, admitting, “It’s hard not to think about the game. That’s why I’m here.”
As the Vikings look to regroup following this narrow defeat, Smith’s leadership and experience will continue to play a crucial role in the team’s efforts moving forward.
