MINNEAPOLIS — Up by 16 points with 3:32 to go, Viking Head Coach Kevin O’Connell called a timeout?
He did so to create a moment for the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd to offer Harrison Smith a standing ovation.
Smith completed his 207th regular-season game, made his 203rd start and helped Minnesota topple a division rival in his 26th career Border Battle, in which the Vikings are 13-12-1 with Smith in action.
Smith has not said for sure if this season will be his final campaign or if he will rally for a 15th season, but just in case, O’Connell and the game presentation team made sure to present flowers.
The Vikings defense carried its strong close to the 2025 season into the New Year, leading the way in a 16-3 win over the Packers Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.