"I wanted him badly" - Michael Jordan reveals failed pursuit of Cardinals rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr.'s endorsement deal
Marvin Harrison Jr. is at the tip of everyone’s tongue despite not playing a single snap in the National Football League. Even National Basketball Association icon Michael Jordan tried to bring him into the fold of his brand ‘Jordan’ but failed. The NBA superstar revealed that to Harrison’s father.
The Arizona Cardinals picked Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, signing him to a four-year rookie contract worth $35.3 million fully guaranteed. MJ wanting to recruit him is a testament to the youngster’s potential star power.
Jordan met Harrison Jr.’s father, Marvin Harrison Sr., at the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony, in Canton. The former Chicago Bulls forward highlighted his regret of losing Harrison Jr. to Nike.
“Good luck on your son, man,” said told the NFL legend after they dapped. “Man, I’ve been trying to sign him to Jordan Brand, but Nike took him. Man, I loved him, wanted him badly”.
Harrison has been circumventing the path of partnerships and endorsements his way. Even though, this has created some issues, the wide receiver is set to embark on a new path regarding athletes and their endorsements.
Inside Marvin Harrison Jr. and National Football League Players Association's beef
Marvin Harrison Jr. has refused to sign with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). This union is the sole defender of players’ rights in the NFL. While Fanatics has sued the Cardinals man for a breach of contract, his jersey even custom ones remain unavailable for fans.
This beef stems from the Fanatics deal, which Harrison Jr. signed as a college athlete. As per NBC Sports, Harrison Jr. is unwilling to honor their previous deal and will not sign with the NFLPA until he can redo his deal with the Fanatics.
Harrison Jr. is in a predicament, with a civil case still pending against him and no licensing deals on the horizon due to being blocked by the NFL. Only time will tell whether this issue gets resolved before he starts his rookie season. The Cardinals will face off against the Buffalo Bills in their season opener on Sep. 8.