Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Darnell Harrison Jr., born on August 11, 2002, is an American football player known for his stellar performances and football acumen in the world of professional football. Currently an esteemed wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL), Harrison is born into a lineage stamped with NFL fame. He is the proud son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who had an illustrious career with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts from 1996 to 2008. From a young age, growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Harrison Jr. developed a love for football and basketball, choosing to dedicate his focus on the former as he entered high school.

Harrison Jr.’s early years were spent at La Salle College High School, before transferring to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School. Here, his football career leapt ahead as he led his team to three consecutive state championships. His performance was marked by setting Philadelphia Catholic League career records with 2,625 receiving yards and 37 receiving touchdowns, carving a solid foundation for his bright future. His high school football journey also saw collaborations with Kyle McCord, a future Ohio State teammate.

Leaving high school as a much-coveted four-star prospect ranked as the nation’s 14th best receiver recruit, Harrison Jr. committed to playing college football at Ohio State University. This decision was prompted by wide receiver coach Brian Hartline’s mentorship and the atmosphere and facilities at the school, alongside his already established relationship with fellow Buckeyes commit Kyle McCord.

The onset of his college days in January 2021 saw Harrison Jr. playing limited time behind future NFL draft picks Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, his breakout performance during the 2022 Rose Bowl saw him catching six passes for 71 yards and three touchdowns, marking the beginning of his successful sophomore season. An injury to fellow receiver Smith-Njigba propelled Harrison Jr. into the position of the Buckeyes’ leading receiver, and he went on to have a remarkable season.

His performance that season was punctuated with career highs and impressive victories, including a 44–31 victory over Penn State. A highlight of the season was a game against rival Michigan, where Harrison Jr. recorded his sixth 100-yard performance despite a loss for the Buckeyes. His breakout season was capped with him being voted a unanimous All-American and named the Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year after recording 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns. While his team unfortunately fell short against the Georgia Bulldogs in an adrenaline fueled match, Harrison Jr.’s performance against corner Kelee Ringo, with five passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, earmarked him as a player to watch out for.

Earning the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award with 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, Harrison Jr. entered the 2023 season widely considered to be the best receiver in college football. Naturally, in 2024, he declared for the NFL Draft. He was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft and subsequently signed a four-year rookie contract, worth $35.3 million fully guaranteed in May 2024.

Off the field, Harrison Jr. balances his aggressive gameplay with a gracious heart. A practicing Christian, he is a partner of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Known for his explosive athleticism, skillful technique, and off-field humility, Marvin Darnell Harrison Jr. is not just a player, but a contributor to the beloved sport of American football, ensuring the legacy of the Harrison name lives on. His journey so far reflects the makings of an NFL legend in the process, keeping fans and spectators eagerly waiting for his next game.