Harrison Smith, American football player

Harrison Smith: The Enduring Impact of a Premier Strong Safety in the NFL

Born on February 2, 1989, Harrison Smith stands as a formidable American football strong safety, a cornerstone of the defense for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Renowned for his exceptional versatility and impactful play, Smith has consistently been a dominant force in the league since his arrival.

His journey to professional football began after a distinguished collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, a program celebrated for its rich football tradition and development of top-tier talent. Following his impressive tenure with the Fighting Irish, Smith was highly regarded in the 2012 NFL Draft, ultimately selected in the first round as the 29th overall pick. Being a first-round selection underscores the high expectations placed upon him, a testament to his perceived talent and potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.

A Legacy of Excellence: Unprecedented Accolades and Consistent Elite Performance

The Historic 2017 Season and Pro Football Focus Acclaim

The 2017 NFL season marked a particular zenith in Harrison Smith's illustrious career, earning him unprecedented acclaim from Pro Football Focus (PFF). PFF is an independent analytical football grading system that meticulously evaluates every player on every snap, providing advanced statistics and in-depth performance insights. In that remarkable season, Smith was not only graded as the third-best player across the entire NFL, regardless of position, but his season grade of 98.8 also achieved a historic milestone: it was the highest grade ever recorded by a safety in Pro Football Focus's extensive history. This singular achievement highlights his unparalleled dominance and comprehensive impact on the game during that period.

His performance in 2017 showcased his full repertoire, from elite pass coverage and instinctual run support to effective blitzing, solidifying his reputation as one of the most complete safeties in modern football. This exceptional year set a new benchmark for his consistent high-level play.

Consistent Recognition: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors

Harrison Smith's sustained excellence has been consistently recognized by his peers, coaches, and media. On January 22, 2018, he earned his third consecutive selection to the Pro Bowl, the NFL's annual all-star game that celebrates the league's top performers. More significantly, he was simultaneously named First-Team All-Pro, an even more prestigious honor recognizing him as the undisputed top player at his position across the entire league for that season. This dual recognition firmly cemented his status among the NFL's elite defensive players.

His consistent high-level play continued into the 2019 season, where he earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod. He also received Second-Team All-Pro honors, further demonstrating his enduring impact and place among the league's premier safeties, even as top-tier talent continued to emerge. These accolades collectively paint a picture of a player who has consistently performed at an elite level for over a decade in a demanding position.

What Defines Harrison Smith's Impact on the Field?

As a strong safety, Harrison Smith, often affectionately known as "The Hitman" for his physical play style, excels in a multifaceted role crucial to modern NFL defenses. His responsibilities extend beyond typical pass coverage; he is a force in run support, adept at shedding blocks and making tackles in the box. His keen instincts allow him to anticipate plays, making him equally effective in blitzing the quarterback, covering tight ends, or patrolling the deep middle of the field. His leadership, intelligence, and ability to disrupt both passing and running plays have made him an invaluable asset to the Minnesota Vikings' defense for over a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harrison Smith

When was Harrison Smith drafted into the NFL?

Harrison Smith was drafted in the first round, 29th overall, of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

What college did Harrison Smith play for?

He played college football for the University of Notre Dame, a renowned program with a rich football history.

What is Harrison Smith's highest Pro Football Focus grade?

Harrison Smith achieved a remarkable 98.8 season grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2017, which stands as the highest grade ever recorded by a safety in PFF history.

How many consecutive Pro Bowls did Harrison Smith achieve as mentioned in this text?

Harrison Smith achieved his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2018 (for the 2017 season), and followed that with his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2019 (for the 2018 season).

Has Harrison Smith ever been named First-Team All-Pro?

Yes, Harrison Smith was named First-Team All-Pro following his exceptional 2017 season.