Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith made history at the expense of his longtime rival and golfing buddy, Aaron Rodgers.
Smith sacked Rodgers in the second quarter of the Vikings’ 23-17 win over the New York Jets on October 6. The sack was a milestone for Smith, marking his 20th career sack. To celebrate, Smith playfully mocked Rodgers with his signature “discount double check” celebration.
With that sack, Smith became just the seventh defensive back in NFL history to record 30 or more career interceptions and 20 or more sacks. He joins a select group of legends, including Ronde Barber, Leroy Butler, Brian Dawkins, Rodney Harrison, Larry Wilson, and Charles Woodson—all of whom are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Smith Trolled Rodgers at Celebrity Golf Tournament Last Summer
Despite their rivalry on the field, Smith and Rodgers share mutual respect and have even engaged in some friendly competition off the field.
On “The Pat McAfee Show” on October 1, Rodgers talked about his upcoming matchup with the Vikings and reflected on the time he spent with Smith at the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, held every July.
Rodgers humorously recalled how Smith didn’t let him forget about the two interceptions he’d snagged during their matchups when Rodgers played for the Green Bay Packers.
“A phenomenal golfer by the way, he had a great year at Tahoe. He’s also picked me off twice in his career,” Rodgers said, laughing, “and he made sure to remind me of that when we played together.”
Though Smith didn’t manage to intercept Rodgers during this latest game, his sack was all the more satisfying, especially considering the career milestone.
At 35, Smith is in his 13th and possibly final season with the Vikings after being drafted 29th overall in 2012.
“Harrison’s a great dude, still playing at a high level, still a master of disguise,” Rodgers said, a statement that proved prophetic when Smith blindsided him for the sack in Week 5.
Vikings Could Cement Smith’s Hall of Fame Case
Despite a career that includes six Pro Bowl appearances and an All-Pro selection, Smith’s Hall of Fame status is not guaranteed.
Statistically, Smith ranks among the best safeties in NFL history, but the Hall of Fame committee often prioritizes championships, something that has eluded Smith and the Vikings.
In 2017, the Vikings reached the NFC Championship game but fell short, and they haven’t been back to the conference title game since. However, if the 5-0 Vikings make a Super Bowl run in Smith’s age-35 season, it would make a compelling case for his Hall of Fame candidacy.
It’s still early to say, but the Vikings’ strong play this season is once again putting their stars, including Smith, in the spotlight.
