Harrison Smith and Aaron Rodgers will face each other for the 21st time, the first time in London

“That’s why it’s a challenge against him because it Is everything. It's not just about talent; It's about preparation, years of repetition and being on the same page with your guys and getting the ball where he wants it. “Getting his protections right, using the game clock, the cadence – that’s everything,” he explained. “When you play a guy who just has raw talent and makes kind of freestyle plays, it kind of eliminates some of the things where you can get him.” But when you have the whole package, it’s difficult – and he definitely has it.”

“There’s definitely (a mutual respect),” Smith continued. “And sometimes, as much as we want to talk about the cat-and-mouse game, there are still 11 people on each side of the ball who can handle most of it. There's a balance between that and accomplishing your task and.” This game of cat and mouse is all a balance.

The long-time opponents now have the opportunity to compete against each other on international soil for the first time.

Smith has played in London three times previously, helping the Vikings go 3-0 in those games against the Steelers (2013; 7 tackles), Browns (2017; 7 tackles, 1 TFL) and Saints (2022; 6 tackles). Rodgers played his first UK game of 2022 with the Packers, who lost 27-22 to the Giants.