Minnesota Vikings host legend wide receiver at annual night practice

The Minnesota Vikings had an exciting guest at their practice Monday. Retired NFL legend and five-time pro bowler Steve Smith Sr attended their Monday night home practice before the team’s trip to Cleveland to prepare for their second preseason game against the Browns .

The former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver walked the sidelines and talked to players and coaches throughout the evening.

Smith had a long 16-year career in the NFL, during which he had eight 1,000-plus-yard seasons. After retiring from the league, Smith Sr. joined the NFL Network as a sports analyst and television figure, and he has appeared on the network’s pre-and post-game shows for Thursday Night Football.

Smith has been traveling to several different NFL teams' training camps over the last few weeks and even spent time interviewing former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in Atlanta just a couple of weeks ago.

The Vikings had an eventful Monday. Former all-pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore was in the building today for an official visit. While no contract was signed while the former New England Patriots star was in the building, the team is expected to remain in touch over the next few days.

The Vikings take on the Cleveland Browns on Saturday in Cleveland. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 central time. First-round pick J.J. McCarthy’s status is up in the air after the rookie was held out of practice for knee soreness.

Check out our home page for all the latest Minnesota Vikings news and updates