Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith was born on February 2, 1989, in Augusta, Georgia. He attended Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he excelled in multiple sports. In his senior year of high school, he gained 1,340 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, caught 23 passes for 453 yards and six touchdowns, and recorded 61 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles on defense. He was recognized as the Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Tennessee in 2006. Smith also demonstrated athletic versatility in track and field, winning the state meet in high jump in 2007.

He continued his football career at Notre Dame, red-shirting in 2007 before emerging as a key player. He started 9 games in 2008, recording 57 tackles. By 2010, playing strong safety, he achieved 93 tackles and a team-high seven interceptions. After graduating with a management-entrepreneurship degree in 2011, he played another season as team captain, recording 90 tackles. Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round as the 29th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career as a safety.

Since joining the NFL, Smith has maintained a consistent presence on the field for the Minnesota Vikings. He was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2015 and has since earned six Pro Bowl selections. He also received First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017 and Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2018. Over his career, he has accumulated over 1,100 tackles, 37 interceptions, and 20.5 sacks. Smith holds several franchise records, including the most sacks by a defensive back. He demonstrates remarkable longevity and impact, having played over 190 games and starting over 190 matchups for the Vikings.