On Sunday, Vikings safety Harrison Smith joined an elite group of players by sacking longtime rival Aaron Rodgers for the 20th time in his career. He became the seventh defensive back in NFL history—and the 12th player overall to achieve at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks.
Among the six other defensive backs who have reached this milestone, five are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Charles Woodson, Ronde Barber, Brian Dawkins, Leroy Butler, and Larry Wilson. Rodney Harrison, a recent finalist for induction, is the only one in this group who has not yet been inducted.
HOF HARRY
With his sack in the 2nd quarter @harrismith22 became the 7th DB in NFL history with 30+ INTs and 20+ sacks. pic.twitter.com/V1itMfonwl
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2024
Smith’s sack of longtime foe Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter of the Vikings’ win over the Jets in London was his first since he had three sacks against the Panthers in Week 4 of last season. He did it with Barber, one of the other 30/20 defensive backs, in attendance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1842939941082525960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842939941082525960%7Ctwgr%5E150e9443dfcdf3a2cdeaafaf947cba127a08a789%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnfl%2Fvikings%2Fnews%2Fharrison-smith-joined-hall-of-fame-company-with-latest-milestone-01j9kxakj91k
In his 13th season, all spent with the Vikings, the 35-year-old Harrison Smith continues to build a resume that could see him join the ranks of the all-time great defensive backs in Canton, OH. A six-time Pro Bowler, he was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017, and his consistent performance over the years is truly impressive. If this turns out to be his final season—though it may not be—he has 12 more regular-season games to enhance his career stats. A deep playoff run with this year’s undefeated team, currently at 5-0 heading into the bye week, would also bolster his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Yessir!…When I saw you on the Jumbotron I knew it was time. https://t.co/xaUBb1C1Iq
— Harrison Smith (@harrismith22) October 7, 2024
It was fitting that Smith recorded his 20th career sack against Aaron Rodgers, while fellow Hall of Fame-caliber defensive back Stephon Gilmore clinched the game with his 32nd interception. Both players, drafted in the first round of 2012, continue to perform at an elite level.
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