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Harrison Smith gets emotional after Vikings playoff loss
Vikings safety Harrison Smith got choked up in the locker room after Monday night's 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, ending Minnesota's season.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings’ season is over after a 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC Playoffs, and safety Harrison Smith was among those to take it hardest after the game.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise. Smith just finished his 13th NFL season, all with the Vikings after being a first round pick out of Notre Dame in 2012. Josh Metellus also got emotional, and said he has a friend for life in Smith.
The veteran safety was asked in the locker room after the loss about Metellus and his emotions.
"I prefer not to have them on camera, but No. 44 is a special guy. No. 24 (Cam Bynum) and 44, I felt like I have been a mentor of sorts, seeing them grow into really special players, great people," Smith said while getting choked up. "It’s been a pleasure to be around."
Smith’s appreciation for B-Flo
Why it matters: Smith returned for a 13th season largely because Brian Flores was the defensive coordinator. The Vikings led the NFL in the regular season with 24 interceptions, they had 49 sacks. Smith had 87 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions one sack and one fumble recovery this season.
He brought it all back to Flores, and got emotional talking about it.
"When you play as long as I have, you don’t feel great every day. Playing especially this year in this defense was some of the most fun I’ve had. That starts with Flo," Smith said.
There’s a very real chance that both Smith and Flores won’t be with the Vikings next season. Smith could retire, and Flores will interview for at least three head coaching jobs later this week.
Smith’s legacy
What we know: If this is it for Smith, he’s likely headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fam and the Vikings Ring of Honor. In 13 seasons, he has 37 career interceptions, more than 1,100 tackles, 20.5 sacks, four defensive touchdowns and nine fumble recoveries.
He’s a six-time Pro Bowl pick, and two-time All-Pro selection.