Former Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. has been turning heads in the football world with his unconventional choices. First, he skipped the NFL Scouting Combine and avoided media meetings, raising eyebrows. Then, he surprised everyone by not attending Ohio State’s Pro Day. Now, after getting drafted 4th overall by the Cardinals, he is back in the headlines for yet another unexpected move.
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As it turns out, Harrison Jr. hasn’t yet signed a licensing contract with the NFL Players Association and is working out his way on how to navigate the professional football scene. Thus, the Bird Gang or others, who are eagerly waiting for his jerseys and other merchandise, will now have to wait a bit longer.
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Without a signed licensing contract, retailers like Fanatics can’t offer jerseys or other gear featuring his name and number. It might be frustrating for fans, but it also shows Harrison Jr.’s independence and control over his own brand.
Marvin can benefit from not rushing into a licensing agreement, as he has full rights to his intellectual properties. This means he could potentially sell his own jerseys with different designs, bobbleheads, and collectible cards. He can even work out his own deals with companies like EA Sports for his appearances on games such as Madden. It’s a bold move that could pay off big for the young athlete in the long run.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Teams Up with New Balance
Even before getting selected by the Grid Birds, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s partnership with New Balance made waves in the sports world. The star NFL prospect brought his other talent to the table, which perfectly fits with New Balance’s commitment to excellence. Together, they are not just introducing Harrison Jr. as a brand ambassador; they have also unveiled his very own signature football cleats. Interestingly, these cleats mark the debut release by New Balance, specially designed for American Football.
One of this year’s top NFL draft prospects, Marvin Harrison Jr., has just signed to New Balance ✍️
The 21-year-old standout receiver has partnered with New Balance to reveal the brand’s first ever American Football cleat pic.twitter.com/JIpef42XZ0
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) April 23, 2024
Moreover, this collaboration is more than just a sponsorship deal for Harrison Jr. In an interview, he stated that joining New Balance means joining a family where he can contribute to product design and creation, ensuring that his signature shoes reflect his style, as per Sports Illustrated.
In addition to style, he also believes comfort is necessary for a player to perform well. Therefore, the New Balance cleats offer both and are entering the football market to be among the best.
