Harrison Smith named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Eagan, Minn. (September 12, 2018) – Vikings S Harrison Smith has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against San Francisco last week. Smith was at his best in key moments against the 49ers, recovering a fumble on the Minnesota two-yard line to complete a critical goal-line stand in the second quarter.

Harrison Smith photo by Bryan Singer

The Knoxville, Tennessee native also intercepted QB Jimmy Garoppolo late in the fourth quarter, sealing Minnesota’s 24-16 win, and added eight tackles (seven solo), two tackles for loss, one sack, and one quarterback hurry. Smith’s 10 career sacks now make him the all-time leader in career sacks by Vikings defensive back.

The NFC Player of the Week award is the second of Smith’s career, and the fourth by a Viking defensive back under Head Coach Mike Zimmer. The Vikings have now had a NFC Player of the Week in three consecutive season openers.

VIKINGS TO BE NAMED NFC PLAYER OF THE WEEK UNDER ZIMMERDefensiveAnthony Barr, LB2014, Week 8, at Tampa BaySpecial TeamsAdam Thielen, WR2014, Week 13, vs. CarolinaSpecial TeamsMarcus Sherels, PR2015, Week 8, at ChicagoDefensiveLinval Joseph, DT2015, Week 9, vs. St. LouisDefensiveTerence Newman, CB2015, Week 10, at OaklandSpecial TeamsBlair Walsh, K2015, Week 16, vs. NY GiantsDefensiveEverson Griffen, DE2015,Week 17, at Green BayDefensiveEric Kendricks, LB2016, Week 1, at TennesseeOffensiveStefon Diggs, WR2016, Week 2, vs. Green BayDefensiveEverson Griffen, DE2016, Week 3, at CarolinaDefensiveXavier Rhodes, CB2016, Week 11, vs. ArizonaOffensive

Special TeamsSam Bradford, QB

Kai Forbath, K2017, Week 1, vs. New Orleans

2017, Week 7, vs. BaltimoreDefensive

DefensiveHarrison Smith, S

Harrison Smith, S2017, Week 16, at Green Bay

2018, Week 1, vs. San Francisco