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The Minnesota Vikings didn’t want their 2025 season to end Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, but that’s the takeaway after 18 regular-season games that resulted in no playoff berths this year.
As a result, two team legends may have played their final game with the organization they helped grow for over a decade.
Safety Harrison Smith and guard CJ Ham both indicated the 2025 season could be their last in the NFL, and they were very emotional in the locker room after head coach Kevin O’Connell gave them each 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 a few 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 victory 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 with him every day. I know many of us feel the same way. When those type of players come into an organization, man, we’re lucky. We are lucky to be with you every day.”
Ham gave a speech in front of his teammates, in which it seemed like he was definitely ready to hang up his cleats for good to focus on spending time with family.
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“This game has meant so much to me my whole life,” Ham said, as his son was attached to his leg. “Being able to be with all of you, being with this organization, being with KO, guys, it means everything 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 for me to watch them grow up. Be a football 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 also 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 Smith’s time.
“All right, I’ve played 14 seasons and 207 games, which is the fifth most 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 takeaways. You know what it’s about. For many, many years in this organization, Harrison, you came into this organization and you changed it little by little. I haven’t said much, but your leadership over the last four years and your impact on this organization for your career is one, in my opinion. I believe you are a Hall of Famer. I know for a fact that you are a Hall of Famer. fame in this organization, I love you, man.”
CJ 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 an exemplary leader for the Vikings, but he tried not to cry during his speech.
“I’m going to be short as always, but it’s been a pleasure,” he began. “I know the year didn’t go the way we thought it would, but there’s a lot to build on like coach says. It’s been a hell of a ride. I really wish we could keep going, I feel like we’re hitting our stride right now. Keep it up in the offseason. I mean, as long as you have air in your lungs and a heartbeat in your chest…never say die.”
Smith has been a mainstay of the Vikings defense since he was a first-round pick by the organization in 2012 out of Notre Dame. In 207 games, Smith totaled 21.5 sacks, 1,180 combined tackles, 13 forced fumbles and 106 passes defensed.
The 36-year-old hasn’t officially announced his retirement, but the emotion expressed in his post-season speech shows it could be weighing on him now.
As for Ham, he was an undrafted free agent who was an invite to rookie minicamp in 2016. He ultimately 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)
While he was just 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 he never stepped down from his role.
From 2017-25, Ham has totaled 681 receiving yards and 119 rushing yards with eight total touchdowns, including one from the goal line on Sunday in the victory. Ham made the NFC Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2023.
