On April 11, 2012, the Minnesota Vikings made a franchise-altering decision in the NFL Draft, selecting Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith with the 29th overall pick. Thirteen years later, it’s clear that this choice brought one of the greatest defensive players in the team’s storied history to Minnesota. Known as the “Hitman,” Smith has redefined the safety position with his versatility, intelligence, and relentless play. As we celebrate this anniversary, let’s dive into a detailed analysis of why Harrison Smith, #22, is a Vikings icon and a cornerstone of the franchise. SKOL!
Draft Context and Immediate Impact
In 2012, the Vikings were rebuilding their defense, seeking players who could elevate a unit that had struggled in prior seasons. General Manager Rick Spielman traded up to secure Smith, a move that raised eyebrows given the team’s other needs. However, Smith’s college tape at Notre Dame showcased a rare combination of instincts, physicality, and coverage skills. At 6’2” and 214 pounds, he had the size to hit like a linebacker and the agility to cover like a corner.
Smith wasted no time proving his worth. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games, recording 104 tackles, 3 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and 11 passes defended. His ability to read plays and deliver punishing hits earned him the nickname “Hitman.” By 2013, he was already a leader in the secondary, setting the tone for a defense that relied on his playmaking.
Statistical Excellence
Harrison Smith’s career numbers are staggering for a safety. As of the 2024 season, he has amassed:
41 interceptions: Among active safeties, he’s a leader in picks, with several game-sealing grabs.
70 passes defended: A testament to his coverage skills against elite receivers and tight ends.
19.5 sacks: Rare for a defensive back, showcasing his effectiveness as a blitzer.
Over 1,200 tackles: A reflection of his consistency and nose for the ball.
These stats place him among the NFL’s elite defensive backs historically. For context, only a handful of safeties, like Hall of Famer Paul Krause (a Vikings legend), have matched Smith’s interception totals in purple and gold. His six consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2015–2020) and 2017 First-Team All-Pro honor underscore his dominance.
Versatility: The X-Factor
What sets Smith apart is his ability to do it all. Defensive coordinators have used him in every role imaginable:
Deep coverage: Smith’s range allows him to erase mistakes by cornerbacks, often baiting quarterbacks into bad throws.
Run support: He tackles like a linebacker, routinely stopping running backs in their tracks.
Blitzing: His 19.5 sacks rank him among the top blitzing safeties ever, with a knack for timing and angles.
Slot coverage: He’s taken on tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, holding his own against bigger opponents.
This versatility makes him a chess piece for coaches. In Brian Flores’ aggressive 2024 scheme, for example, Smith’s ability to disguise coverages and blitz has kept offenses guessing. His football IQ—often praised by teammates like Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter—allows him to anticipate plays, making him a quarterback’s nightmare.
Leadership and Longevity
At 36, Smith is defying the typical aging curve for safeties. In 2024, he remains a starter, logging significant snaps and producing highlight-reel plays. His durability is remarkable: he’s missed only a handful of games in 13 years, a testament to his work ethic and preparation. Off the field, Smith’s leadership is equally impactful. As a team captain, he mentors younger players like Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson, helping sustain the Vikings’ defensive culture.
Smith’s tenure spans multiple coaching eras—from Leslie Frazier to Mike Zimmer to Kevin O’Connell—yet he’s remained a constant. His ability to adapt to new schemes while maintaining elite production speaks to his intelligence and professionalism. Fans on X often cite his clutch interceptions (like against Aaron Rodgers in 2015) and bone-crushing hits (like on Odell Beckham Jr. in 2016) as defining moments that embody Vikings pride.
Place in Vikings History
The Vikings have a rich defensive tradition, with icons like the Purple People Eaters and secondary stars like Krause and Joey Browner. Smith belongs in this pantheon. He’s already the franchise’s all-time leader in interceptions among safeties and ranks high in tackles and sacks for a defensive back. If he continues at his current pace, his case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame grows stronger. Compared to contemporaries like Earl Thomas and Tyrann Mathieu, Smith’s longevity and all-around game stand out.
Challenges and Resilience
Smith’s career hasn’t been without hurdles. Early fines for hard hits reflected the NFL’s evolving rules, forcing him to adjust his style without losing aggression. Injuries, though rare, tested his resolve, particularly a 2016 knee issue. Yet, he’s consistently bounced back, often playing through pain. The Vikings’ postseason struggles—despite Smith’s heroics, like his 2017 playoff interception—highlight the team’s reliance on him in critical moments.
Why He’s a Fan Favorite
For Vikings fans, Smith is more than a player; he’s a symbol of resilience and loyalty. His blue-collar mentality resonates in Minnesota, where grit is revered. Social media posts on X today are flooded with tributes, from gifs of his pick-sixes to fans chanting “SKOL #22!” His iconic moments—like stripping the ball from Le’Veon Bell in 2013 or leveling opponents in open field—live rent-free in fans’ minds.
Looking Ahead
As Smith enters his 14th season in 2025, questions linger about how long he’ll play. His contract runs through 2025, and while retirement looms, his 2024 performance (still Pro Bowl-caliber) suggests he’s not slowing down. Whether he transitions to coaching or rides off as a Vikings legend, his legacy is secure.
Conclusion
Thirteen years ago, the Vikings drafted a player who’d become the heartbeat of their defense. Harrison Smith’s blend of stats, versatility, leadership, and clutch plays makes him one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s honor #22 for giving Minnesota everything—every hit, every pick, every SKOL-worthy moment. Here’s to the Hitman, a true Viking who’s etched his name in purple and gold forever.