Marvin Harrison Jr., a rising star in the NFL, has much more to offer than just his impressive on-field skills. This article explores five surprising facts about him that you might not know. From his intriguing family background to his unique off-field talents, there’s plenty to discover about this emerging football sensation. So, let’s get started!
5. Early Life And Athletic Background
Marvin Harrison Jr. is not just any football player; he is the son of NFL star Marvin Harrison Sr., who used to play as a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. His dad had a great career, amassing over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns for eight straight seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Born on August 11, 2002, in Philadelphia, Harrison Jr. grew up in a family that loved sports, with his father’s achievements setting a high bar. Although he was good at basketball as a kid, he decided to focus on football in high school.
4. College Career And Highlights
He started at La Salle College High School but later moved to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, where he became a star. He led his team to three state championships and set impressive records in the Philadelphia Catholic League, racking up 2,625 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns in high school. Harrison Jr. played college football at Ohio State University, where he established himself as one of the top receivers in the nation. Over three seasons with the Buckeyes, he caught 155 passes for 2,613 yards and scored 31 touchdowns.
His standout performance in 2023 earned him the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best wide receiver, making him a two-time unanimous All-American—an honor achieved by only eleven players in Big Ten history. Despite offers from several prestigious programs like Florida and Michigan, Harrison chose Ohio State largely due to his relationship with wide receiver coach Brian Hartline and fellow recruit Kyle McCord.
Also Read: Madden 25’s Early Access Photo Of Marvin Harrison Jr. Is Going Viral For All The Wrong Reasons
3. Jersey Sales Await
Despite high demand for Marvin Harrison Jr. jerseys among Cardinals fans, they remain unavailable for purchase. Harrison hasn’t signed the NFLPA licensing agreement required for jersey sales. Earlier this offseason, he was asked about not signing the licensing agreement or having an agent.
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“I’ll continue to talk to my team, and we’ll do what’s best for me moving forward,” he said at the time. “We’ll just take it one day at a time. I just got drafted, so I’m trying to enjoy the moment and be happy while I can at the moment.”
Apparently, Harrison has made some deals, including appearing in Madden 25 with a 79 overall rating, the sixth-highest on the Cardinals. Despite this, his representatives instructed the NFLPA to inform the NFL, Cardinals, and Fanatics that they can’t sell his jerseys. Harrison’s father, Marvin Harrison Sr., managed his NIL deal with Fanatics during college, but in May, Fanatics sued Harrison Jr. for allegedly breaching the contract.
2. Philanthropic Efforts
When asked about his hobbies, Robinson eagerly mentioned the non-profit he founded, The Darius Robinson Helping Hands Foundation, which aims to assist individuals of all ages in need of support. The Cardinals deeply involve themselves in community initiatives through local events and charitable endeavors. Robinson’s passion for philanthropy stems from his family values.
“My brother and my mom really instilled that into me at a young age. Give back your blessing to others,” Robinson said. “My fifth year at Mizzou was the best year of my life so why would I not share my blessings with others? That’s what really motivated me to do that and now being in the NFL my goal is to do three events each year, and just give back because there’s life outside of football and bigger blessings out there.“
Also Read: Madden 25’s Early Access Photo Of Marvin Harrison Jr. Is Going Viral For All The Wrong Reasons
1. NFL Rookie Records
Marvin Harrison Jr. is making a strong impact in his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals, placing him in the NFL record books alongside his father, Marvin Harrison Sr. In Week 2, he had a standout game against the Los Angeles Rams, catching four passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
This made him the first NFL rookie since his father in 1996 to have four receptions and two touchdowns in the first quarter. His performance eased concerns after a quiet debut against the Buffalo Bills, where he had one catch for four yards.
In the 2024 NFL season, Harrison Jr. has played four games, recording 15 receptions on 28 targets for 243 yards, averaging 16.2 yards per catch, and scoring four touchdowns. His stats include one catch for four yards against Buffalo, four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams, five catches for 64 yards and one touchdown against Detroit, and five catches for 45 yards and one touchdown against Washington.
Harrison Jr. has already surpassed his father’s best single-game receiving yards as a rookie. Harrison Jr. is on track to challenge Randy Moss’s rookie record of 17 touchdowns, having already scored four. At 6-foot-4, he serves as a great red-zone target and continues to build chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray. This strong start sets Harrison Jr. up for a remarkable NFL career, and fans will watch closely for record-breaking performances this season.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Offenses After Week 4 Games Of The 2024 Season
