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If you were looking to buy a Marvin Harrison Jr. jersey or any merchandise featuring the former Ohio State star before or during his rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals, you came up empty. Harrison had no officially licensed products in 2024 due to a lawsuit filed against him by NFL retail partner Fanatics.
The year-long lawsuit has concluded. According to a report by Darren Rovell of cllct media, the lawsuit has been "discontinued," which is the state's legal term for a settlement. While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed and no Harrison Jr. memorabilia is currently available on Fanatics, Rovell reports that will change soon.
This situation dates back to Harrison's time as a star receiver for the Buckeyes. In 2023, during his final season at Ohio State, Harrison signed a contract with Fanatics, agreeing to provide autographs and game-used gear in exchange for $1.05 million.
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In May 2024, shortly after Harrison was selected No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft by the Cardinals, Fanatics filed a lawsuit claiming that Harrison failed to meet his contractual obligations. Harrison responded by stating that he never personally signed the contract and that his father, Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., signed it on behalf of the Official Harrison Collection, Harrison Jr.'s company. He expressed, "I was never requested to, nor did I ever, sign any document that personally obligated me to do anything concerning the 'Binding Term Sheet.'" Fanatics then amended its lawsuit to include Harrison Sr. as a defendant and added fraud claims against both Harrisons.
Due to the legal dispute, the NFL Players Association has prohibited the sale of Harrison Jr.'s jerseys and related merchandise. This restriction arises from the ongoing allegations and the fact that Harrison did not sign the NFLPA group licensing agreement, which is required for companies like Nike to produce and sell player-specific merchandise, making him the first NFL player not to sign the licensing agreement since LaVar Arrington in 2000.
Rovell estimates that Harrison missed out on roughly $500,000 by not having his merchandise available in 2024.
After signing a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $35.3 million last May, Harrison did not have the standout rookie season that many had projected for the Biletnikoff Award winner. He struggled to produce consistently, finishing his rookie season in Arizona with 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns.
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Harrison finished his career at Ohio State ranking sixth all-time in receiving yards (2,613), sixth in receptions (155), third in touchdown catches (31) and first in 100-yard games (15). In addition to being the program's first unanimous All-American at wide receiver, he was also the first Buckeye to record multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
With the lawsuit settled and his merchandise soon available, Harrison hopes to have a breakout second NFL season in 2025.