Harrison Smith got Sunday’s game against the New York Jets started with a bang for the Minnesota Vikings defense. On the New York Jets opening drive, the Vikings veteran safety recorded his 34th career interception, meaning Smith has more interceptions than any active NFL player.
The 34th INT for the 33-year-old safety broke a tie with New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty for the top of the active players’ list. McCourty at 35 years of age continues to perform at a high level as well for New England with a pair of INTs this season.
Smith’s interception was the fifth of his 2022 season, which is tied for second-most in the NFL this season. He’s tied with rookie CB Tariq Woolen, who has been a big surprise for the Seattle Seahawks in his first NFL season. The league leader in picks is C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has six for the Eagles this year. He was traded prior to the season by the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
Smith recorded interceptions in three consecutive games for the Vikings from Weeks 6-9, but following that streak, he had zero interceptions from Weeks 10-12. That streak ended with this latest pick, and it set up a Greg Joseph field goal to give the Vikings an early 3-0 lead.
Smith remains fifth on the Vikings franchise list for most interceptions by a single player. Here’s how that list breaks down now:
- Paul Krause (53)
- Bobby Bryant (51)
- Ed Shrockman (40)
- Joey Browner (37)
- Harrison Smith (33)
- Nate Wright (31)
Be sure to follow along for more updates as the game continues and following the game for a recap of all the action both for the Vikings and around the NFC North.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
More Stories
Sports During the COVID pandemic – Ben’s sports blog
World Health Organization, FIFA and Qatar launch gamified movement-tracking app
‘Osimhen would have been like Maradona in 86 World Cup’ – Pinnick