If this is it for safety Harrison Smith, the Vikings were lucky to have him

Harrison Smith has become synonymous with the Vikings, and, in turn, the Vikings have become synonymous with Harrison Smith.

Frankly, it’s hard to imagine either existing without the other.

That’s why the scene Sunday at Ford Field was so poignant after the Vikings suffered a 30-20 loss to the Detroit Lions. As his teammates got dressed around him, 34-year-old safety stood before a host of reporters in the visitors’ locker room. He tried to hide his emotions as best he could after removing his No. 22 jersey perhaps for the final time.

What was he going to miss most with this season officially coming to a close?

“The camaraderie,” Smith said. “You can’t really replace it anywhere. You can try. It’s not quite the same.”

Though he wouldn’t confirm if he planned to retire, Smith took a moment to reflect on what has been a memorable ride.

Since being selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Smith officially has played in 176 games, which doesn’t include the playoffs. He has developed into a fan favorite across Minnesota despite being a man of very few words. He always has preferred to let his play do the talking.

“When I was a kid, I never thought I’d play in the NFL,” he said. “To have a career that I’ve had to this point is pretty cool.”

He has had the privilege of playing with a ton of great players over the past decade, making lifelong friends such as linebacker Anthony Barr along the way, while simultaneously serving as a mentor for emerging playmakers such as young safety Josh Metellus. His presence has become so ingrained into the culture, in fact, that even if Smith decides to hang up the cleats for good, his legacy will live on long after he’s gone.

“I learned a lot from him on and off the field,” pass rusher Danielle Hunter said. “It was an honor.”

Asked last week about the impact Smith has had, head coach Kevin O’Connell waxed poetic with a 330-word answer that touched on a little bit of everything.

There was a reference to what Smith meant to him personally as a first-time head coach in the NFL. There was a reference to what Smith meant to defensive coordinator Brian Flores this season as he implemented his new scheme. There was a reference to what Smith meant to the fan base that affectionately refers to him as “The Hitman” because of his physicality in the open field.

“I could speak unlimited about what Harrison means to so many people,” O’Connell said. “I’m hoping that this is not the end for him just because I selfishly want him around our team.”

As for Smith, he doesn’t plan on making a decision anytime soon, and when he does, he doesn’t plan on telling anybody about it. He doesn’t want a farewell tour of any kind. That’s not his style.

“I’m going to enjoy some time with my family,” he said. “When I start thinking about it, I’ll start thinking about it.”

The only hint he dropped about his future could be read multiple ways.

Talking about the thought of retirement, Smith said, “It’s hard to have the ability to play and not have a desire to play.”

That could mean that he still has the ability to play, and because of that, he still has a desire to play.

That could also mean that he is slowly coming to grips with the fact that he no longer has the desire to play.

After apologizing for not providing more information after the game in Detroit, Smith continued to get dressed, and everybody went their separate ways.

“You can’t buy a spot out here,” he said. “That’s what makes it so special.”

GET MORE NEWS HERE