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The Minnesota Vikings didn’t want their 2025 season to end Sunday at US Bank Stadium, but that’s the story of the tape after 18 regular-season games didn’t result in a playoff berth this year.
As a result, two team legends may have played their last game with the organization they helped grow for over a decade.
Safety Harrison Smith and running back CJ Ham have both indicated that the 2025 season could be their last in the NFL, and they were quite emotional in the locker room after head coach Kevin O’Connell gave each of them a game ball, signifying how much they meant to everyone in the locker room, the fan base and the organization as a whole.
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CJ Ham of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after defeating 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 achievements for each player, starting with Ham.
“Ten seasons, 141 games played, which is the second most by a running back or running back in Minnesota Vikings history,” O’Connell said of Ham in a video posted by the Vikings’ social media team after the 16-3 win over the Green Bay Packers. “Two-time Pro Bowler, twice [Walter Payton] Man of the year, four time team captain and a life changer, made me better in every aspect of my life just being around him on a daily basis. I know many of us feel the same way. When these type of players come into an organization, man, we’re lucky. We are lucky to be around you every day.”
Ham gave a speech in front of his teammates where it sounded like he was definitely ready to hang up his cleats for good to focus on time with his family.
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“This game has meant so much to me my whole life,” Ham said as his son clung to his leg. “To be able to be with you, to be with this organization, to be with KO, you guys, it means the absolute world to me. I know it’s going to be hard to step away, but I know it’s time to be with my family. It’s time for me to watch them grow up. Be a football dad. But these years are times that I’m never going to love each and every one of you.”
Ham also shared a strong message as not just a teammate, but as a friend and leader.
“Man, my phone is always on. Whatever you need at any time, I’m here for you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I love you all,” he added.
Then it was time for Smith.
“Okay, I got 14 seasons, 207 games played, which is the fifth most in team history. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler, six-time team captain,” O’Connell said. “He has the fourth-most in team history in terms of takeaways. You know what he’s about. For many, many years in this organization, Harrison, you came into this organization and changed it little by little. Didn’t say much, but your leadership the last four years and your impact on this organization for your career is one of a kind, in my opinion. I believe you for a Hall of Famer’. Fame in this organization, I love you, man.”
CJ Ham of the Minnesota Vikings meets 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 an example for the Vikings, but he tried hard not to tear up during his speech.
“I’ll keep it short as always, but it’s been a pleasure,” he began. “I know the year didn’t go the way we envisioned, but there’s a lot to build on, as coach says. It’s been one hell of a ride. I really wish we could keep it going, I feel like we’re getting there right now. Just keep it up in the offseason. I mean, as long as you’ve got air in your lungs and heart pounding in your chest. . . .”
Smith has been a mainstay of the Vikings defense since being a first-round pick by the organization in 2012 out of Notre Dame. Over 207 games, Smith has tallied 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 heavily on him now.
As for Ham, he was an undrafted free agent who was a rookie minicamp invite in 2016. He eventually signed with the Vikings as just the fifth player in Augustana University history to join an NFL team.
Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
While only a practice squad member in 2016, he eventually made his regular season debut in 2017 after moving from running back to fullback, and he never wavered from his role.
From 2017-2025, Ham totaled 681 receiving yards and 119 rushing yards with eight total touchdowns, including one from the goal line Sunday in the win. Ham made the Pro Bowl in the NFC in 2019 and 2023.
