Even in 2024, he had 10 PBU's and 3 INT's. This was despite teams avoiding throwing his way.
The last time I recall seeing this kind of performance out an "old man" defensive back in the NFL, was when watching Ronnie Lott play for the 49'ers and later, the Raiders. I still remember getting pissed at the 49'ers for putting him on Plan B free agency after that 1990 season, at which point he had one of his finest seasons for the Raiders in 1991, and some pretty good seasons for the Jets later.
Still, Harrison Smith is in much better physical health than Lott was in his last 3 years of playing. I'm sure there were others who had good seasons in their twilight, but I don't recall anyone being nearly as good as Harrison Smith has been.
The only thing missing from his trophy case would be a Super Bowl ring. I'd guess that in that keeping Adrian Peterson might have swung it their way in that 2017 season. They were basically spooked by his 2016 injury, and cut him loose afterwards.
36 years old, and aging like fine wine
Replies to: "36 years old, and aging like fine wine"
- Future HOF Harrison Smith returning for another season with Vikings [LINK]
- Turkish - 1:39pm 3/13/25
(15) [View All]
- 36 years old, and aging like fine wine - ndunabomber - 8:47am 3/14/25
- Yet many here criticized him constantly at ND. [NT]
- Frank L - 10:13pm 3/13/25
- That's because he stunk at ND - I recall the '07 scUM game.... - NEPA Irish - 6:01am 3/16/25
- Harrison Smith didn't play in 2007 [LINK] - ndunabomber - 11:36am 3/16/25
- Don't agree. He was moved between LB and S at ND too much. Coaches screwed up his development. Th - tky21 - 8:07pm 3/14/25
- I remember the logic used when they tried him at linebacker was the big advantage of speed - THEISMANCARR - 10:44pm 3/14/25
- Tenuta didn't use him properly - ndunabomber - 11:18pm 3/14/25
- Ur Right I was one of his critics at first he sucked, but then his play shut me up! Good on him. [NT] - Jerseymick - 8:19pm 3/14/25
- I remember the logic used when they tried him at linebacker was the big advantage of speed - THEISMANCARR - 10:44pm 3/14/25
- He definitely blossomed in the pros. His measurables were fantastic. I remember he made a dumb - THEISMANCARR - 6:59pm 3/14/25
- That's because he stunk at ND - I recall the '07 scUM game.... - NEPA Irish - 6:01am 3/16/25
- How old? I don't think Hof will be a q [NT]
- cubsfanin16 - 3:56pm 3/13/25
- It's definitely in question, unfortunately. Not enough All-Pros. - Turkish - 9:53am 3/14/25
- Hard to. believe but I got your point [NT] - cubsfanin16 - 1:08pm 3/14/25
- It's definitely in question, unfortunately. Not enough All-Pros. - Turkish - 9:53am 3/14/25
- Amazing player: At his peak, around '17 and '18 seasons, the best safety in league - murph78 - 2:52pm 3/13/25
- ND is now Safety U. And it might get better with the X man. [NT]
- THEISMANCARR - 7:00pm 3/14/25
- Shuler can be that next guy - ndunabomber - 11:50am 3/15/25
- ND is now Safety U. And it might get better with the X man. [NT]
- THEISMANCARR - 7:00pm 3/14/25