Two lifetime Vikings were honored in the season finale on Sunday.
The Minnesota Vikings finished their season with five consecutive wins and eyes on their future as a franchise. While the quarterback position will be a hot topic, as will the potential departure of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, two Vikings took front and center stage on Sunday with a potential farewell.
Vikings safety Harrison Smith spent 14 seasons with Minnesota, while fullback C.J. Ham (a native of Duluth) is a ten-year Viking legend. There was a clear plan for both players to get their moment in the sun. Ham scored on a one-yard plunge, while Smith was lifted after a timeout to a rousing ovation at the two-minute warning. Ham was the only captain sent to the field for the coin toss, also.
Kevin O'Connell had a clear plan and explained his love for both players and admitted if the Vikings had retained the ball once more at the end of the game, both players would have led the victory formation.
"Wanted to make sure it was a memorable final game if it ends up being the case for Harrison and C.J. Ham. Today was about those guys. 22 and C.J. are right at the top and will always be players I’ll value forever," O'Connell said. "I thought it was really well done by our staff to make sure we could recognize those guys the right way. That moment where we pulled him out was special. Credit to the fans for making that feel like the moment it should have."
Smith had no idea he would be the only captain for the coin toss. He was as shocked as anyone.
"That was a surprise, did anybody plan that? I had no idea. I was looking to left to right and I’m like where’s everybody at? It was a surprise to me," Ham said.
Smith had plenty of supporters on Sunday. Several Vikings players showed up wearing his jersey, including former Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who embraced his former teammate before the game.
"It’s special, I don’t take it for granted. KO was asking me if that’s what I wanted, but I wanted to keep playing. I got some things to think about for sure. I was joking before the game I feel like I’m at my funeral," Smith said. "I don’t really have a choice anymore what’s going on here. We’ll see."
The Vikings did an amazing job making the two legends feel appreciated. It speaks to the organization.