The Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions was a masterful performance by the Minnesota Vikings’ defense. Multiple members of the team had great games that led to the purple and gold ousting their division opponent from the postseason.

Among those players who played well, veteran safety Harrison Smith looked like a kid again by how much fun he was having. During the game, he defended three passes, even intercepting one, and registered two tackles for a loss, including a sack on Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

The 36-year-old defender was likely feeling great about the performance he and his defensive teammates executed at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 17, but some recent news likely took that feeling away.

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith got some bad news that could have ruined his Christmas this year.

On Saturday, USA Today New York Giants beat reporter Art Stapleton shared on X that Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith has been fined for a hit on quarterback Jaxson Dart during Week 16.

Vikings safety Harrison Smith was fined $17,389 for striking Giants QB Jaxson Dart in the head and neck area last Sunday.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) December 27, 2025

During the game against the Giants, Smith was flagged for making contact with Dart’s head and neck area during a sack. Although the contact didn’t appear to be intentional or too damaging, it is understandable for the league to protect a quarterback who is in a defenseless position.

However, the $17,389 fine is a substantial amount for a player who isn’t known for making dirty hits over the course of his 14 seasons with the Vikings. After such a great showing against the Lions on Sunday, that had to be a real bummer for Minnesota’s first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings may be beat up with injuries all over the depth chart, but the team is on a four-game winning streak and could make it five if they can defeat the Green Bay Packers in the season finale at U.S. Bank Stadium.

At the moment, it appears as though the Vikings might avoid ending up in last place in the NFC North thanks to their unlikely win over the Lions last week. They are 3-2 in the division with an opportunity to make it 4-2 next week.

At the very least, this chaotic season for the purple and gold will end with eight wins. Considering all the injuries and struggles the team has endured, that’s not too shabby. It’s just a shame that a player like Harrison Smith will have to pay a hefty fine this holiday season.