The Minnesota Vikings won the Christmas game against the Detroit Lions with a 23-10 score. The victory, however, was tinged with melancholy. For Harrison Smith, the final whistle of the Vikings’ Week 17 win over the Lions may have signaled more than just the end of a game. He is contemplating the end of his career after 13 long NFL seasons, and his words for his teammates were emotional.

“There’s definitely a maturity, and you realize your own football mortality. When you’re young, there’s no end in sight. The past couple years, I know it’s there,” Smith said.

The Vikes’ first-round pick (29th overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft has been a mainstay of their defense. Overall, in his career, Smith has played 206 games (202 starts), and he has 1178 tackles (857 solo) with 44 quarterback hits. The Heartbreak Kid holds the record for 38 interceptions for 509 yards, along with 21.5 sacks and four pick-sixes, 13 fumble recoveries, and 104 defended passes.

But he will turn 37 this coming February. This age has taken a toll on his body. So, it might be possible that he will hang up his shoes after this season. The fans are already rallying for their veteran, demanding a Hall of Fame place for their loyal player.

Even the Vikings are assessing his contract every year. They signed a one-year, $10.25 million contract in March of this year. There is no clarity yet about whether they will offer him an extension. Before the season began, Smith was dealing with a physical issue, which prevented him from playing the first two games.

There have been moments when Harrison Smith has been involved in controversial plays. Back in 2020, during the Week 4 game against the Houston Texans, the six-time Pro Bowler made a tackle on tight end Jordan Akins using the crown of his head. The referees discussed the tackle and ejected him from the game.

However, he has been the Vikes’ defensive captain for many years now and has broken many records.

Harrison Smith achieves an extensive record against the Lions

The Vikes’ safety became just the second player in NFL history to have a minimum of 38 interceptions and 21.5 career sacks. He credited the defense’s aggression as the main reason behind their resurgence in the last four games, winning all of them. However, everyone could sense it might be the last time watching him play.

While talking to Ben Leber, he was clearly emotional, waving to the fans in the stands. Even the Lions’ players and coaches shook his hands, expressing their respect for the veteran.

“It’s unbelievable as a kid playing the game. You never think you’re going to end up here with all this love from these great fans. And um anytime we can come out here and walk between the white lines, there’s just nothing better,” Harrison Smith noted.

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A sense of finality hung in the Vikings’ locker room. It’s not sadness; it’s the empty feeling once the veteran decides to leave football for good. He has clearly said the decision will be sudden.