EAGAN, Minn. — Death, taxes and Harrison Smith donning the Purple and Gold.
The Hitman is returning for a 14th season, the Vikings announced Wednesday night after he and the team agreed to a restructured contract.
View the best photos of Vikings safety Harrison Smith throughout his career as he announced he will return for his 14th season in 2025.
Smith had told media members in January he wouldn't make an immediate decision regarding retirement or running it back for another season. The verdict is now in, to the delight and admiration of peers, teammates and fans alike.
Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr., shared his excitement in reaction to the announcement video posted by the team:
Here are more of our favorite reactions to the Vikings safety staying in Minnesota:
Safety Josh Metellus referenced a two-year-old joke (that quickly went viral) between Smith and former Vikings beat reporter Chris Tomasson, who posted the following exactly two years ago Thursday:
When I recently texted #Vikings safety Harrison Smith to ask about his contract situation, he simply sent back this photo of Prince. Since Prince is a Minnesota icon, I asked if that means he's sticking around. But I didn't hear back.
Vikings Legend Ben Leber realized he should have saved his "good-bye" tears for Smith after Minnesota's Wild Card loss:
Tennis star and longtime Vikings fan Mardy Fish gave a shout-out:
Smith received a tip of the cap from longtime NFC opponent and 2012 draft classmate Russell Wilson:
As you can imagine, Vikings fans had a lot to say about one of their all-time favorites coming back for another season:
Longtime fan Jason Harmon encouraged fellow Vikings fans to join in thanking Smith by donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, a nonprofit close to the safety's heart.
And even individuals from opposing fan bases posted their support and respect for a class-act defender who's garnered a positive reputation across the NFL.
View the Vikings Free Agency Tracker.
View the Vikings 2025 Draft Picks.
View the Vikings 2025 Opponents.
