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Minnesota Vikings didn't want their 2025 season to end on Sunday at U.S. Stadium. Bank Stadium,” but that’s the story after 18 regular-season games failed to produce a playoff appearance this year.
As a result, two team legends may have played their final game with the organization they helped develop for over a decade.
Safety Harrison Smith and cornerback C.J. Ham said the 2025 season could be their last. NFLand they were quite emotional in the locker room after head coach Kevin O'Connell presented each of them with a game ball, showing how much they mean to everyone in the locker room, the fans and the organization as a whole.
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C.J. Ham of the Minnesota Vikings watches as they beat the Green Bay Packers 16-3 at US Bank Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
O'Connell listed some of each player's accomplishments, starting with Ham.
“Ten seasons, 141 games played, which is the second-most by any running back or defensive back in Minnesota Vikings history,” O'Connell said of Ham in a video the Vikings posted on social media after a 16-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay Packers. “Two-time Pro Bowler, two-time [Walter Payton] Man of the year, four time team captain and a man who changed my life, made me a better person in every aspect of my life just by being around him every day. I know many of us feel the same way. When players like that come into an organization, man, we're lucky. We are lucky to be with you every day.”
Ham gave a speech to his teammates that sounded like he was definitely ready to hang up his boots for good to focus on time with his family.
“This game has meant so much to me my whole life,” Ham said as his son was strapped to his leg. “To be able to be with you, to be with this organization, to be with KO guys, it means the absolute world to me. I know it will be hard to leave, but I know it's time to be with my family. It's time for me to watch them grow. Be a soccer dad. But these years are times that I will never forget. I truly love each and every one of you.”
Ham also shared a powerful message, not only as a teammate, but as a friend and leader.
“Dude, my phone is always on. Whatever you need at any time, I am here for you. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. I love you all,” he added.
Then it was Smith's time.
“Okay, I have 14 seasons, 207 games played, which is fifth in team history. He's a six-time Pro Bowler and a six-time team captain,” O'Connell said. “He ranks fourth in team history in totals. You guys know what he's talking about. Over many, many years in this organization, Harrison, you came into this organization and gradually changed it. Didn't say much, but your leadership over the last four years and your impact on this organization in your career is, in my opinion, one of one. I believe you are a Hall of Famer. I know for sure that you are a member of the Hall of Fame of this organization. I love you, man.”
C.J. Ham of the Minnesota Vikings meets with his family after the game against the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Smith has always been a leader and example for the Vikings, but he struggled not to cry during his speech.
“I’ll be brief as always, but it was nice,” he began. “I know the year hasn't gone the way we thought it would, but like coach says, we still have a lot to build on. It's been one hell of a journey. I'd love for us to continue it, I feel like we're successful now. Just keep it up in the offseason. I mean, as long as you have air in your lungs and your heart beating in your chest… never say die.”
Smith has been a mainstay of the Vikings' defense since he was selected by the organization in the first round of the 2012 draft out of Notre Dame. In 207 games, Smith has 21.5 sacks, 1,180 combined tackles, 13 forced fumbles and 106 passes defensed.
The 36-year-old has not officially announced his retirement, but the emotion in his post-season speech suggests it may be weighing on him now.
As for Ham, he was an undrafted free agent who was invited to rookie minicamp in 2016. He eventually signed with the Vikings as the fifth player in Augustana University history to join an NFL team.
Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings watches the game against the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
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Although he was just a member of the practice squad in 2016, he eventually made his regular-season debut in 2017, working his way up from running back to defensive back and never relinquishing his role.
From 2017 to 2025, Ham totaled 681 receiving yards and 119 rushing yards with eight total touchdowns, including the game-winning one from the goal line on Sunday. Ham has been to the NFC Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2023.
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