Vikings S Harrison Smith hit where it hurts the most after dominant Christmas Day performance due to a play vs. Giants

Harrison Smith was fined for a sack against the New York Giants that will be controversial, as it looked just like a normal football play.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer

Dec 28, 2025 6:10 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith was fined $17,389 for a hit on a quarterback: Blow to the head/neck back in the Week 16 win over the New York Giants.

The play was a sack in the first quarter where Smith took down Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. In real time, it didn’t feel egregious, but Smith’s helmet made contact with Dart’s, causing a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Harrison Smith fined for illegal hit on Jaxson Dart

It may feel like a normal NFL play, but it is illegal per the NFL rulebook.

1. A passer who is standing still or fading backward after the ball has left his hand is obviously out of the play and must not be unnecessarily contacted by an opponent through the end of the down or until the passer becomes a blocker, or a runner, or, in the event of a change of possession during the down, until he assumes a distinctly defensive position. However, at any time after the change of possession, it is a foul if:
   1. an opponent forcibly hits the quarterback’s head or neck area with his helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder
   2. if an opponent lowers his head and makes forcible contact with any part of his helmet against any part of the passer’s body. This provision does not prohibit incidental contact by the mask or the helmet in the course of a conventional block.

By the letter of the law, Smith did commit a penalty worthy of a fine. His fine marks the 11th time that a Vikings player was given a fine this season.

• CB Byron Murphy Jr.: Week 5, Horse collar tackle, $17,389
• ILB Ivan Pace Jr.: Week 7, Impermissible use of the helmet, $5,759
• EDGE Dallas Turner: Week 8, Unsportsmanlike conduct, $19,907
• ILB Blake Cashman: Week 8, Impermissible use of the helmet, $23,186
• RB Aaron Jones: Week 9, Impermissible use of the helmet, $23,186
• EDGE Dallas Turner: Week 10, Body weight, $17,389
• EDGE Dallas Turner: Week 10, Hip drop tackle, $17,389
• CB Fabian Moreau: Week 10, Use of the helmet, $17,389
• CB Isaiah Rodgers: Week 10, Hip drop tackle, $17,389
• DT Jalen Redmond: Week 11, Facemask, $5,333
• S Harrison Smith: Week 16, A hit on the quarterback: blow to the head/neck, $17,389

Minnesota Vikings News

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Tyler Forness