Marvin Harrison Jr. didn’t quite have the league-shifting rookie season that many of us expected for the Arizona Cardinals. He’s already received the devastating, though severely misplaced “bust” label from some fans.
Harrison Jr. was drafted as the next superstar receiver for the Cardinals. His predecessor is ready to help him become just that.
Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald open to mentoring Marvin Harrison Jr.
Let me set the record straight. Marvin Harrison Jr. did not have a bad rookie season. In fact, his rookie stats were similar to those of his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., and Larry Fitzgerald. Harrison Jr. was just overshadowed by the historic rookie campaigns of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.
Sure, there were some frustrating aspects of MHJ’s usage in Drew Petzing’s offense, Kyler Murray’s inaccuracy, and Harrison Jr.’s inconsistency in contested catch situations. Still, it’s a massive overreaction to call Harrison Jr. a bust after one season.
If you’re hesitant to believe in the possibility of a breakout year for MHJ in 2025, consider who he has in his corner. First and foremost, his father is in the Hall of Fame. Marvin Harrison Sr. recorded over 1,100 receptions, 14,580 yards, 128 touchdowns, and one Super Bowl victory.
As if that’s not enough, NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald has stated that he’s willing to help the young Cardinals’ star in any way he can. Per Arizona Republic reporter Theo Mackie, Fitzgerald said, “If he ever needs anything, I told him, I'm always available for him any way I can be helpful.”
Larry Fitzgerald is arguably the greatest player to ever put on an Arizona Cardinals jersey. He knows what it takes to be great. He’s carried a team to playoff success. Fitzgerald is likely about to enter the Hall of Fame.
This offseason, the Arizona Cardinals are clearly banking on a sophomore season breakout from Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals have almost completely ignored the offense, instead adding talent on defense at nearly every opportunity. For the most part, the 11 starters on offense will be the same as last season. If this offense is to be an improved version of what we saw in 2024, Marvin Harrison Jr. will have to step into a larger role.
Maybe Marvin Harrison Jr. won’t be the generational player that many scouts claimed he would be. Maybe he won’t even turn out to be the best receiver from his draft class. But, with two Hall of Fame receivers in his corner, it’s hard to imagine that he won’t have a long and successful career. For Marvin Harrison Jr., the best is yet to come.