Marvin Harrison Jr., the talented wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, has made headlines with his lucrative deal with Fanatics. Despite not signing the NFLPA’s group licensing agreement, Harrison secured a contract worth just over $1 million with the sports merchandise company.
According to a tweet by NFL Rumors, there’s an update on both his endorsement deal and jersey number: ” UPDATE Arizona #Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr. signed $1M dollar deal with Fanatics and will wear number #18 this upcoming season.”
🚨 UPDATE
Arizona #Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr. signed $1M dollar deal with Fanatics and will wear number #18 this upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/S8YLp2tVYE
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 7, 2024
While Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t yet signed the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) licensing agreement, which would allow him to wear his name and number on official jerseys, he’s secured a lucrative deal with Fanatics and chosen his jersey number for the upcoming season. Let’s unpack this news and explore the potential implications.
Fanatics Deal: A Lucrative Off-Field Win for Marvin Harrison Jr.
The $1 million deal with Fanatics, a leading sports merchandise retailer, is a significant financial win for the rookie receiver. It likely covers autographs, signed memorabilia, and potentially even trading card appearances. This deal showcases Marvin Harrison Jr.’s marketability and highlights the growing power of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals that college athletes can now secure.
Holding Out on the NFLPA? A Calculated Risk or Leverage Play?
However, Marvin Harrison Jr. remains the only rookie who hasn’t signed the NFLPA licensing agreement. This means his name and number can’t appear on official NFL jerseys until he does. Some speculate this is a calculated risk, with Harrison Jr. hoping to leverage his holdout to secure a more lucrative individual endorsement deal with a major brand.
Others believe it might simply be a matter of time and Marvin Harrison Jr. will eventually sign the NFLPA agreement. The benefits, including the ability to profit from jersey sales and other merchandise featuring his name and number, are significant.
Jersey Number Controversy: A Symbolic Choice or Practicality?
The selection of the number 18 adds another layer of intrigue. The number was previously worn by Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, who retired in 2020. While the team hasn’t officially retired the number, it’s typically seen as a sign of respect for past greats.
It’s unclear whether Harrison Jr. requested number 18 or it was assigned to him. If he requested it, it could be seen as a bold move, a rookie aiming to live up to the legacy of a franchise icon. Alternatively, number 18 might simply be his preferred number, and the timing is coincidental.
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