If Cardinals fans were hoping to buy merchandise with the name of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, Arizona’s No. 4 selection in the 2024 draft, they would be disappointed. Until the 4th overall draft pick agrees to his 1st year license agreement with NFLPA, fans will be unable to do so.
Harrison Jr. is not pleased with the NFL’s partnership with Fanatics, the popular sports manufacturer and reseller.
NFL players must become members of the Players Union, but they are not obligated to sign the union’s licensing agreement. It is comparable to the recent NIL (name, image, and likeness) contracts he inked while a college student with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Conflict with the NFLPA
This is all about an offer that Fanatics is pitching to college sophomores who have a name. When Marvin Harrison Jr. was a sophomore in college, he received an offer similar to what many other players receive: a four-year contract for signing cards or autographs.
Harrison Jr would have signed a four-year contract with Fanatics during his sophomore year at Ohio State.
The star running back turned it down, feeling it was not a fair enough contract for his potential high pick in the 2024 draft, especially because it would have extended into the start of his professional career.
As a result, the contracts continue throughout each player’s second NFL season.
Harrison, who does not have an agent, did not say whether he would sign the agreement.
Disappointed Fans
The newcomer’s name, number, image, and other associated assets cannot be sold until he signs his 1st-year license agreement, which prohibits fans and other NFL-approved stores from carrying his products.
Because Marvin Harrison, Jr. has not signed his NFLPA licensing deal, this message appears on NFL Shop and other sites:
And no, Harrison has not decided on a jersey number yet. He should have a selection made for his first weekend of rookie minicamp.
Do not be surprised; Harrison Jr. can decide not to sign at all.
If Harrison Jr. chooses not to sign the NFLPA, he will still have complete ownership rights to his name and brand if he does not sign.
In addition to working up a contract with EA Sports to participate in their video game, he could sell his own jersey with complete exclusivity.
Marvin Harrison Jr’s Odd Entrance into the NFL
Harrison Jr. — the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Indianapolis Colts great Marvin Harrison Sr. — posted back-to-back 1,200-yard, 14-touchdown seasons during his final two years at Ohio State and was widely considered the top receiver prospect in this year’s class.
Harrison Jr. has been doing things his way throughout the process.
The rookie Superstar did not participate in the Combine nor Pro Day before the 2024 draft. Now he is refusing to sign the NFLPA. This has some asking, “Is he a prima donna?” “Will he be high maintenance?”
About the Author
Michelle Bear
Michelle has a knack for all things sports. A life-long member of the Raider Nation, she has learned football patience over the years.
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