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By Aaron Becker
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The Minnesota Vikings brought back long-time veteran safety Harrison Smith last week after the unfortunate, season-ending injury to linebacker/safety Jamal Adams. It is a reunion that many were unsure would ultimately happen, but Smith recently revealed he had it on his agenda all along.
“I think I kind of knew it the whole time. I just didn’t know, exactly, the timing,” Smith said via the team’s website.
Smith, 37, has spent every year of his NFL career with the Vikings, so it makes complete sense that it was the Vikings or nobody for his 15th season.
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Smith also proved to still have some good football left in him in 2025 while recording 54 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 10 passes defensed and two interceptions.
Before Adams' injury, it might have been difficult for the team to find a role for Smith on defense. However, after it occurred, it would have been surprising if Minnesota didn't give Smith a call, especially because he's remained in touch with head coach Kevin O’Connell and hasn't stopped training.
“I’m in good shape. I’ve been working out,” Smith said. “But there’s nothing like playing football. It’s just the reality of it. Heart rate, outside factors, thinking a lot while you’re moving. It’s hard to simulate that. I kind of do it the best I can. There’s something about being on the grass and thinking while you’re moving. You can feel a little stuck sometimes and just getting the fluidity back. That’s kind of what I’ve been able to do the last few years — be very fluid out there while I’m thinking.”
Only time will tell how Smith will look in his 15th season, but the Vikings are hoping the reunion pays off as they look to bounce back from their third place finish in the NFC North a year ago.
A first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Smith has recorded 1,181 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 107 passes defensed, 39 interceptions and four touchdowns in his professional career.
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