Harrison Smith rarely, if ever, reveals his emotions when he's being interviewed. He is easily the most stoic Vikings player in the locker room in those settings. Sometimes it's hard to tell if his team won or lost based on his demeanor.
The All-Pro safety is courteous and thoughtful, but he shows the same level of emotion as a Buckingham Palace guard. Nothing but stone-faced.
Smith let down his shield Tuesday in a way that was both jarring and illuminating. He choked back tears when asked about linebacker Anthony Barr's decision to turn down a more lucrative free-agent contract from the New York Jets this offseason to return to the Vikings.