We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Grand Marshal, Knoxville native and NFL star, Harrison Smith.
Smith is a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School where he excelled as a 3-sport athlete. He went on to play college football at Notre Dame, where has was a standout Safety for the Fighting Irish. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (29th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft where he’s continued his career for 13 seasons.
His on field success has earned him the nickname “Harry the Hitman” and many awards: Pro Bowl six times, (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021), named to the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro (2017), Second-Team All-Pro (2018) and Pro Football Writers of America First-Team All-Pro (2017). Smith was named the Vikings Defensive Player of the Year (2017 and 2020), Vikings Rookie of the Year (2012), won the PFF Dwight Stephenson Award (2017) and nominated to the PFF 2010s All-Decade Team.
His work off the field includes his work with BIG TACKLES to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, The Leary Firefighters Foundation, host of the Thielen Foundation Charity Softball Game and Grand Marshal of Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s Parade.
Celebrate with Harrison and the Knox St. Patrick’s Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1pm.