BREAKING: Vikings Legend Harrison Smith Announces Retirement After 14 Seasons — And He Did It After Beating the PackersOne final win. One iconic rivalry. And the end of an era in Minnesota that no one saw coming this suddenly…1805
Minneapolis, Minnesota –– In an announcement that left Minnesota Vikings fans both regretful and proud, legendary safety Harrison Smith has officially announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the team.
The decision comes just one day after a convincing 25-0 victory over arch-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 18 of the 2025-2026 NFL season, a game in which Smith was honored with an emotional sendoff on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Smith, 36 years old, was drafted in the first round in 2012 and has become an icon for the Vikings with the nickname “The Hit Man.” His career includes 211 games, 6 Pro Bowl selections, 2 All-Pro honors, 38 interceptions, 21.5 sacks, and numerous team records such as the most interception return TDs (4), the most sacks for a defensive back, and fourth all-time in interceptions for the Vikings (39).
In the past season, he achieved his career-high PFF grade (98.8) and was named Defensive Player of the Week at the oldest age ever. “I have given everything to the Vikings, and this is the right time to close my playing career,” Smith shared in this morning’s press conference.
A key part of Smith’s decision is his commitment to support the team financially. He has accepted a plan to immediately reduce cap space for the Vikings, including waiving some remaining bonuses and agreeing to a dead cap structure spread across void years. “I want the team to have more space to invest in young talented safeties like Jay Ward or potential rookies.
HEARTWARMING MOMENT:
The #Vikings took a timeout to honor Harrison Smith and let him walk off the field for the final time with the crowd, giving him an emotional sendoff.
14 seasons in Minnesota. A future Hall of Famer.
One of the greatest ever 🫡🫡🫡
pic.twitter.com/ehuxPjG0Zt — MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 4, 2026
The Vikings have given me everything, and I’m ready to accept any way to help the team build a stronger future,” Smith emphasized. This decision is estimated to help the Vikings save about 4-5 million USD in cap space in 2026, especially if using a post-June 1 designation to push dead cap to later years.
However, Smith will not leave the Vikings entirely. In a surprising revelation, he confirmed he will return to the team right away this season in the role of safety coach, after current coach Daronte Jones leaves to pursue new opportunities.
“I love the Vikings and want to continue contributing. The coaching role will allow me to pass on my experience to the younger generation,” Smith said, his voice emotional. This is seen as a perfect transition, helping the Vikings’ defense maintain its strong identity.
The reaction from the Vikings community is a mix of sadness and joy. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell praised: “Harrison is the heart of the team. His decision is not just retirement, but a legacy.”
Fans on social media are flooded with tributes, with the hashtag #ThankYouHarry trending on X. With a wild card playoff spot in hand, the Vikings will now enter the postseason without Smith on the field, but his spirit will remain forever.
Smith ends his career as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and the path to the Hall of Fame seems wide open ahead of him. One chapter ends, but a new journey has just begun.
TIME UPDATE: Patriots vs Chargers Wild Card Round 2026 at Gillette Stadium — Kickoff Time Confirmed
For the New England Patriots, the Wild Card Round isn’t just “the start of the playoffs” — it’s the moment where a
No. 2 seed season gets judged in one night. Hosting at Gillette Stadium gives New England the crowd, the comfort of routine, and the home-field edge — but it also brings the pressure that comes with expectation. In a single-elimination game, a slow start or one momentum swing can wipe out months of work instantly.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, this is the kind of road playoff test that can define an era. As the AFC No. 7 seed, they walk into Foxboro as underdogs — but with a roster built around
Justin Herbert, who’s headed into this matchup while managing a broken left (non-throwing) hand. The Chargers’ mission is simple: survive the early storm, keep composure in a hostile environment, and turn the game into a fourth-quarter decision
How to Watch
This game will air on NBC, with streaming on Peacock, plus a Spanish-language broadcast on Universo.
If you need a mobile option in the U.S., the NFL also promotes
NFL+ Premium for live playoff viewing on phones/tablets (subscription required).
Pre-Game Preview: What Could Happen
1) The trenches could decide everything
New England’s clearest path is controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing the Chargers into tough down-and-distance spots. LA’s offensive line has battled major injuries — including season-ending losses to both starting tackles
Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater — and that can change the entire feel of the game in January.
2) Can the Chargers protect Herbert long enough?
The Chargers have had protection issues at times this season, and Herbert has taken a beating — he was sacked
54 times in 16 games, per the AP report. If New England can create consistent pressure without overcommitting, it can force rushed throws and swing-field-position moments.
3) Most likely “game scripts”
- Patriots jump out early: the stadium energy spikes and LA has to chase.
- One turnover flips the night: a strip-sack or tipped INT becomes the difference in elimination football.
- One-possession finish:expect a tense fourth quarter where one drive decides who advances.
Injury Watch
New England Patriots
Head coach Mike Vrabel indicated it was “too early to tell” on several returns, including:
- Harold Landry III (LB) — knee
- Robert Spillane (LB) — ankle
- Khyiris Tonga (DL) — foot
- Jared Wilson (OL) — concussion
- Alex Austin (CB) — wrist
Los Angeles Chargers
- Justin Herbert (QB) — playing through a broken left (non-throwing) hand
- Omarion Hampton (RB) — ankle injury; missed Week 18, working to return
- Jamaree Salyer (LT) — hamstring (inactive Week 18)
- Elijah Molden (S) — hamstring (inactive Week 18)
- Joe Alt (OT) — season-ending injury
- Rashawn Slater (OT) — season-ending injury
Official Schedule
- Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots (Wild Card Round 2026)
- Venue: Gillette Stadium (Foxboro/Foxborough, Massachusetts)
- Kickoff: Sunday, January 11, 2026 — 8:00 PM ET
- Broadcast/Streaming: NBC + Peacock (Universo)
