Overview
- In the Vikings’ 23-10 Christmas Day victory over Detroit, Smith posted three tackles with two for loss, one sack, one interception, and three passes defended as Minnesota forced six turnovers.
- The defensive performance held a top-ranked Lions offense to 231 yards and contributed to Detroit’s elimination from playoff contention.
- This is Smith’s third career Defensive Player of the Week honor, following awards in Week 16 of 2017 and Week 1 of 2018.
- Smith has 39 career interceptions and 21.5 sacks, leaving him one pick shy of joining Charles Woodson, Ronde Barber, and Larry Wilson in the 40-interception, 20-sack club ahead of the Green Bay finale.
- Questions about his 2026 status persist, with no decision announced after taking pay cuts in each of the past two seasons to remain with Minnesota.