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.
In 2007, Harrison Smith red-shirted as a freshman at Notre Dame.
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.
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.
In 2010, during his senior year, Harrison Smith played strong safety, recording 93 tackles and a team-high of seven interceptions.
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.
On April 26, 2012, Harrison Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (29th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft.
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.
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.
In 2012, Harrison Smith was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL draft as the 29th overall pick.
On December 14, 2013, Harrison Smith was activated to the 53-man roster after missing 8 games due to a foot injury.
On November 2, 2014, Harrison Smith recorded a season-high ten solo tackles in a 29–26 win over the Washington Redskins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2017, Harrison Smith was ranked 74th on the NFL Top 100 Players.
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.
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.
In the 2020 season, Harrison Smith made 16 starts and recorded .5 sacks, 89 total tackles, five interceptions, and ten passes defended.
On August 29, 2021, Harrison Smith signed a four-year contract extension with the Vikings worth $64 million.
On November 17, 2021, Harrison Smith was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
In the 2022 season, Harrison Smith had 85 total tackles, five interceptions, ten passes defended, and one forced fumble in 14 appearances and starts.
In 2023, Harrison Smith played in 17 games, recording 93 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
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.
On March 12, 2025, Harrison Smith re-signed with the Vikings on a one-year, $10.25 million contract.
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