Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith Bio

Harrison Smith is an American professional football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 2, 1989, in Augusta, Georgia, he played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after an impressive high school career at Knoxville Catholic High School. Drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Smith quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier safeties, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors throughout his career. He is known for his strong defensive skills, leadership on the field, and significant contributions to the Vikings’ defense.

Early Life and Background

Harrison Smith attended Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. In his senior season, he gained 1,340 yards rushing, scored 19 touchdowns, caught 23 passes for 453 yards and six touchdowns, and made 61 tackles, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. He was named Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Tennessee in 2006. In addition to football, Smith was also a talented track athlete, winning the state meet in the high jump and excelling in the decathlon. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was listed as the No. 25 athlete in the nation and chose to attend Notre Dame over numerous Power 5 offers.

Path to American Football

After red-shirting as a freshman in 2007, Harrison Smith emerged as a star in 2008 at Notre Dame. He began his career at linebacker, starting nine games and recording 57 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. As a junior in 2009, he transitioned to strong safety, recording 69 tackles. In his senior year, he served as team captain and recorded 90 tackles, including a team-high seven interceptions. His strong college performance led to him being projected as a first-round draft selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Harrison Smith Career

Early Career (2012-2015)

Harrison Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (29th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Notre Dame. He signed a four-year contract worth $7.13 million with the Vikings. Smith made an immediate impact, starting in his first game and finishing his rookie season with 104 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2015, he recorded four interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career, setting a franchise record for the Vikings.

Breakthrough (2016-2018)

In 2016, Harrison Smith signed a five-year contract extension worth $51.25 million, solidifying his place as a key player for the Vikings. He continued to excel on the field, recording 91 tackles and two sacks that season. Smith’s breakout year came in 2017 when he was named a first-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year. He recorded five interceptions and was graded as the third-best player in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. In 2018, he continued his strong performance, earning a second-team All-Pro selection and a fourth straight Pro Bowl nod.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Harrison Smith has been recognized for his outstanding defensive skills, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. He is known for his leadership on the field and has made significant contributions to the Minnesota Vikings’ defense.

Harrison Smith Award Nominations

Harrison Smith has received numerous nominations throughout his career, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, reflecting his status as one of the top safeties in the NFL.

Harrison Smith Awards Won

Harrison Smith has won several prestigious awards, including being named a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and a second-team All-Pro in 2018. He has also been selected to the Pro Bowl six times, highlighting his consistent performance at a high level.