Harrison Smith Is A Fine, Upstanding Man

The Vikings’ safety has been named one of the Best-Mannered People of 2016.

We’ve talked about a few different topics over the course of the last week or so, but I think that this is the story that will finally make us say to ourselves, “Yep. . .this is the offseason.”

On the field, Minnesota Vikings’ safety Harrison Smith isn’t particularly known for his manners, nor should be be. He’s known as one of the most physical and best all-around safeties in the National Football League. Off the field, however, is apparently a different story.

The National League of Junior Cotillions recently named Smith one of the “Ten Best-Mannered People of 2016.” He was named to the list for “being the NFL’s most anonymous star and an example of great sportsmanship.” If you’re unfamiliar with the NLJC, their mission statement is “To act and learn to treat others with honor, dignity and respect for better relationships with family, friends and associates and to learn and practice ballroom dance.”

Smith is one of several athletes on the list, along with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, golfer Rory McIlroy, and Pat Summitt, the late Tennessee women’s basketball coach. There are dignitaries from other fields on the list as well, most notably. . .Matt Damon!

(Matt Damon? Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatt Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamon.)

In lieu of linking to the site, because it makes my anti-virus program light up like a Christmas tree, here is their list:

  1. Simone Biles – A gymnast serving as an excellent role model for today’s youth.
  2. Matt Damon – for being a perfect gentleman who treats everyone with respect, regardless of their fame or social standing, and shows kindness to all.
  3. Rory McIlroy – for displaying exemplary sportsmanship, taking the time to engage with his fans, and treating his fellow golfers with nothing but dignity and kindness.
  4. Missy Franklin – for her grace in the spotlight and accepting both victory and defeat with elegance and poise.
  5. Chris Wallace – for his tact and diplomacy while reporting and mediating during the 2016 election season and throughout his years in journalism.
  6. Ben Carson – for displaying his humility in success as both a pediatric neurosurgeon and political advocate and depicting himself as an upright and dignified individual to all.
  7. Christine Caine – for passionately sharing her desire to help readers achieve a life of peace and happiness through faith.
  8. Pat Head Summitt – for exemplifying all the traits of noble character that Junior Cotillion teaches throughout her career as the winningest coach in all of basketball history and for her dedication to building character in her players and teaching them grace, honor, and dignity.
  9. Harrison Smith– for being known as the NFL’s most anonymous star and an example of great sportsmanship. Smith is a former Junior Cotillion student in the Knoxville Chapter under the direction of Mindy Coulter.
  10. Sasha and Malia Obama – for their consistent, well-mannered conduct in the public eye.

So, never let anyone tell you that Harrison Smith isn’t a well-mannered guy. Or that he can’t dance, apparently.

Article by Christopher Gates from the SB Nation- Daily Norseman (www.dailynorseman.com)