The fact that the Vikings technically didn’t have anything to play for on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium didn’t stop them from creating a lasting memory for the fans that decided to show up. Even if people might not remember some of the minor details from the Vikings earning a 16-3 win ov er the Green Bay Packers, they will almost certainly remember veteran safety Harrison Smith and veteran fullback C.J. Ham being honored in different ways before they contemplate retirement. That was undoubtedly the highlight from a win that helped the Vikings finish this season with a 9-8 record. Here are some takeaways from the game: Harrison Smith got his moment Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) gets a hug from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) after an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Jan 4, 2026. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) In the final minutes of the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell called a timeout to ensure Smith got a standing ovation he very much deserved. As he slowly walked off the field for perhaps the last time, Smith looked around and gave a wave to the home crowd. The deafening roar that followed was befitting of a living legend. Though he hasn’t yet made an official announcement, Smith has acknowledged that he’ll at least contemplate retirement. He’s given everything he has to the Vikings since being selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. If this is really it for Smith, he’s worthy of a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. C.J. Ham also received recognition Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) gets emotional as he talk about his career after an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Jan 4, 2026. The Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers, 16-3. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) There hasn’t been nearly as much hype surrounding Ham and his plans for the future. He’s going to consider retirement playing nearly a decade in the NFL, however, and the Vikings made sure he felt special in what could be the final game of his career. There were a few anecdotes from the game that Ham won’t soon forget. He was the lone captain standing at midfield for the coin toss, scored a rushing touchdown near the goal line, and got a curtain call while sitting on the sideline late in the game. As he chatted with reporters after the game, Ham noted that he’ll take some time before he makes a decision about hanging up the cleats for good. J.J. McCarthy left the door open Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) holds his helmet during a timeout in the third quarter of an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Jan 4, 2026. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) This was supposed to be a chance for quarterback J.J. McCarthy to build some momentum that he could use as a launching pad moving forward. Instead, he pulled himself from the game due to a hairline fracture in his right hand, leaving the door open for the Vikings to make a change. That’s not an overreaction. Not only has McCarthy rode the roller coaster far too often, he’s also had a hard time staying on the field. He’s missed a number of games due to a host of different injuries, which, in turn, has severely stunted his development. It seems likely the Vikings will bring in somebody to compete for the starting role. It will be on McCarthy to win that competition if he wants to keep his job. Justin Jefferson reached 1,000 yards Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) runs past Green Bay Packers linebacker Jamon Johnson (48) on his way to 1,000 yards for the season in the second quarter of an NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Jan 4, 2026. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) It was clear from the onset that the Vikings were going to do everything in their power to get superstar receiver Justin Jefferson over 1,000 yards. He caught a trio of passes on the opening drive to set the tone. Not long after that, Jefferson hauled reception over the middle reach the milestone, letting out an exhale once he knew he had it in the bag. He wasn’t shy about how much he wanted to reach 1,000 yards. It hasn’t been the most satisfying campaign for Jefferson as his numbers have been impacted by McCarthy’s struggles under center. That explains why getting him over 1,000 yards was so important to the Vikings. Dallas Turner finished on a high note Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) sackes Green Bay Packers quarterback Clayton Tune (6) in the third quarter of an NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Jan 4, 2026. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) Never mind that most of his reps came against backup on the offensive line. The performance edge rusher Dallas Turner put together was something he can build on as he tries to establish himself as a household name. The speed move on the outside helped Turner racked up a pair of sacks in the game. He finished this season with 8 sacks in total, making his presence felt down the stretch while filling in for injured edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Related Articles Here’s who the Vikings will play during the 2026 season Shipley: J.J. 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