Career Timeline of Harrison Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Harrison Smith, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Harrison Smith is an American professional football safety who plays for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft after playing college football at Notre Dame. Smith is a prominent player for the Vikings and is known for his skill and performance as a safety in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Gatorade Football Player of the Year

In 2006, Harrison Smith was named Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Tennessee, after his senior season at Knoxville Catholic High School where he excelled in rushing, receiving, and defense.

2007: Red-shirting Freshman Year

In 2007, Harrison Smith red-shirted as a freshman at Notre Dame.

2008: Emergence as a Star Linebacker

In 2008, Harrison Smith emerged as a star at linebacker, starting 9 games and recording 57 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

2009: Started as Strong Safety and Strongside Linebacker

In 2009, as a junior, Harrison Smith started six games at strong safety and then the final six games at strongside linebacker, recording 69 tackles including 6.5 tackles for loss.

2010: Played Strong Safety as a Senior

In 2010, during his senior year, Harrison Smith played strong safety, recording 93 tackles and a team-high of seven interceptions.

2011: Final Season as Team Captain

In 2011, Harrison Smith served as team captain and played in all 13 games, recording 90 tackles including three tackles for loss, during his final year at Notre Dame after being accepted into a graduate program.

April 26, 2012: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

On April 26, 2012, Harrison Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (29th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft.

May 31, 2012: Signed with the Minnesota Vikings

On May 31, 2012, Harrison Smith signed a four-year, $7.13 million contract with the Vikings, including $5.78 million guaranteed and a $3.63 million signing bonus.

2012: NFL Combine and Pro Day Participation

In 2012, Harrison Smith attended the NFL Combine as a free safety and participated in positional drills at Notre Dame's Pro Day, receiving positive reviews for his athletic abilities and football intelligence.

2012: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

In 2012, Harrison Smith was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL draft as the 29th overall pick.

December 14, 2013: Activated to 53-Man Roster

On December 14, 2013, Harrison Smith was activated to the 53-man roster after missing 8 games due to a foot injury.

November 2, 2014: Season-High Ten Solo Tackles

On November 2, 2014, Harrison Smith recorded a season-high ten solo tackles in a 29–26 win over the Washington Redskins.

May 3, 2015: Vikings Pick Up Fifth-Year Option

On May 3, 2015, the Vikings picked up the fifth-year option on Harrison Smith's rookie contract, paying him $5.28 million for 2016.

2015: 2015 Season Performance

In the 2015 season, Harrison Smith started 13 games for the Vikings, recording 66 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a touchdown. He missed Weeks 12, 14, and 15 due to a knee injury.

January 31, 2016: First Pro Bowl Appearance

On January 31, 2016, Harrison Smith played in his first Pro Bowl, as an alternate for the injured Earl Thomas. He was also ranked 73rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

June 6, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Vikings

On June 6, 2016, Harrison Smith signed a five-year, $51.25 million contract extension with the Vikings that included $28.57 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus.

September 25, 2016: First Sack of the Season

On September 25, 2016, Harrison Smith recorded seven combined tackles and sacked Cam Newton for his first sack of the season, in a 22–10 win against the Carolina Panthers.

December 20, 2016: Voted to 2017 Pro Bowl

On December 20, 2016, the NFL announced that Harrison Smith had been voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl, marking his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance but his first as a first-team member.

December 24, 2016: Returned After Ankle Sprain

On December 24, 2016, Harrison Smith returned in a 38–25 loss to the Packers and made four solo tackles after missing Weeks 14 and 15 with a high ankle sprain.

2016: Fifth-Year Option Paid

In 2016, Harrison Smith was paid $5.28 million as the Vikings picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract from May 3, 2015.

2017: Best Season of Career

In 2017, Harrison Smith had what would be considered the best season of his career, with 1.5 sacks, 78 total tackles, five interceptions, and 12 passes defended in 16 starts.

2017: Ranked Third-Best Player in the NFL by PFF

In 2017, Harrison Smith was graded as the third-best player in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF). His season grade of 98.8 was the highest among safeties in PFF history, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2017: Ranked 74th on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2017, Harrison Smith was ranked 74th on the NFL Top 100 Players.

January 22, 2018: Named to Third Straight Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro

On January 22, 2018, Harrison Smith was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and was also named first-team All-Pro, recognizing his performance and contributions to the sport.

2019: Fourth Consecutive Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro Selection

In 2019, Harrison Smith earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and was named second-team All-Pro, further solidifying his reputation as a top player.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

In the 2020 season, Harrison Smith made 16 starts and recorded .5 sacks, 89 total tackles, five interceptions, and ten passes defended.

August 29, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with Vikings

On August 29, 2021, Harrison Smith signed a four-year contract extension with the Vikings worth $64 million.

November 17, 2021: Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List

On November 17, 2021, Harrison Smith was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

2022: 2022 Season Performance

In the 2022 season, Harrison Smith had 85 total tackles, five interceptions, ten passes defended, and one forced fumble in 14 appearances and starts.

2023: 2023 Season

In 2023, Harrison Smith played in 17 games, recording 93 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In the 2024 season, Harrison Smith played in 16 games and recorded 87 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, ten passes defended, and one fumble recovery.