Jefferson described the afternoon honoring Smith and Ham as emotional.
“I definitely wanted to shed a tear,” he said. “Just seeing the guys work as hard as they have, leading the way they’ve been leading. I mean, C.J.’s story is very powerful, impactful. So to have him as a teammate for these past six years, it’s an honor. Honestly, there aren’t too many people in this league that are like him and have the love and the hard-work attitude C.J. has. I’m honored to be his teammate.
“And for Harry, he’s a baller,” Jefferson added with a grin. “I still don’t think this is his last year. I still think he’s got more in the tank. What he’s been doing for this organization, what he’s been doing for this team, is going to go way farther than what people outside this room really know. I’m just honored to have played on the same team as them.”
Near the end of the game, in-stadium cameras captured Smith and Ham sharing an embrace on the sideline — an emotional image of mutual respect and friendship.
“Harrison’s a Hall of Famer,” Ham said. “To have been his teammate for 10 seasons, that man is the ultimate pro and an unbelievable leader. I’ve looked up to him when it comes to leadership. You don’t have to be a vocal leader. You lead by example … and when you do talk, people listen. And that’s exactly who he is.
“I’m just so proud of him. I’m thankful to be his teammate,” Ham said before adding with his signature smile, “And whatever’s next for him, I’m sure he will still be Harry.”