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Former Notre Dame all time great shocks the NFL world with unforeseen decision amidst the free agency chaos

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 12:06 PM ET

When the Minnesota Vikings were handed a 27 to 9 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, many fans anticipated it to be the last game for All-Pro safety Harrison Smith. He had spent 13 seasons as an integral part of the Minnesota organization, had been tremendous on the field, and even better off of it as a leader.

It was going to be a tough blow, but felt like a certainty that most people were preparing for. The Vikings, and national fanbases, were handed a massive surprise this week with it being announced that Smith will return in 2025 with a new contract.

Six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith will return for a 14th NFL season, agreeing to terms today on a new contract with the #Vikings, per sources.

At age 36, Smith is still playing at a high level and can now add to his hall of fame resume. pic.twitter.com/r1aOQFOn6z
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2025

Free agency has been very good to the Vikings so far. So far they have signed offensive lineman Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, as well as cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. Getting Smith back for hopefully a Super Bowl run is just a big of an acquisition.

Smith has put together a borderline Hall of Fame career during his time with the Vikings. In his 13-year career so far, he has collected 1,126 total tackles, 37 interceptions, and 96 pass breakups. Smith has also recorded 20.5 sacks, 48 tackles for loss, and 12 forced fumbles.

The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star was originally a first round selection for Minnesota in the 2012 NFL Draft class. That came off of a legendary career in South Bend. During that career, Smith was able to record 307 total tackles, seven interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 20 tackles for loss.

Smith went from misused linebacker to All-American safety with Notre Dame. A lot of fans talk mostly about Kyle Hamilton and Xavier Watts when discussing safety play for the Irish. We mustn’t forget that pipeline of outstanding safeties actually began with Smith.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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