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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 on tape after 18 regular-season games failed to result in a playoff berth this year.
As a result, two team legends may have played their last game with the organization they have helped grow for more than a decade.
Safety Harrison Smith and fullback CJ Ham have indicated that the 2025 season could be their last in the NFL, and they were very excited 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 accomplishments for each player, starting with Ham.
“Ten seasons, 141 games played, which is the second most for a running back or fullback 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, two-time [Walter Payton] Man of the Year, four-time team captain and someone who changed my life, made me better in every aspect of my life just by being around him every day. I know many of us feel the same. When these types of players come into an organization, we are lucky. “We’re lucky to be around you every day.”
Ham gave a speech in front of his teammates, where he sounded like he was definitely ready to hang up his cleats for good and focus on time with family.
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“This game has meant a lot to me my entire life,” Ham said, while his son was tied to his leg. “To be able to be with all of you, to be with this organization, to be with KO, guys, it means a lot to me. I know it’s going to be hard to walk away, but I know it’s time to be with my family. It’s time to watch them grow. To be a soccer dad. But these years are times I’ll never forget. I truly love each and every one of you.”
Ham also shared a strong message not only as 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 say it from the bottom of my heart. I love you all,” he added.
Then, it was Smith’s time.
“Very good, I had 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 as far as takeaways go. You know what that is. For many, many years in this organization, Harrison, you came into this organization and changed it little by little. I didn’t say much, but your leadership these last four years and your impact on this organization for your career is one of a kind, in my opinion. I think he’s a Hall of Famer. I know for a fact he’s a Hall of Famer in this organization. I love you, man.”
CJ Ham of the Minnesota Vikings reunites 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 an exemplary leader for the Vikings, but he tried hard not to cry during his speech.
“I’m going to be brief as always, but it’s been a pleasure,” he began. “I know the year didn’t go the way we imagined, but there’s a lot to build on, like Coach says. It’s been a great ride. I really wish we could keep it up, I feel like we’re making good progress right now. Keep it up in the offseason. I mean, as long as you have air in your lungs and your heart is beating in your chest… never say die.”
Smith has been a pillar of the Vikings defense since he was drafted in the organization’s first round in 2012 out of Notre Dame. In 207 games, Smith has totaled 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 speech after the season shows it could 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 after the game against the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
While he was only a member of the practice squad in 2016, he finally made his regular season debut in 2017 after moving from running back to fullback, and never abandoned his role.
From 2017 to 2025, Ham totaled 681 receiving yards and 119 rushing yards with eight total touchdowns, including one from the goal line on Sunday in the win. Ham made the NFC Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2023.
