Every year when rookie players make it to the NFL, one of the most exciting moments for them is seeing a jersey with their name on it. It’s a memorable moment whether they’re wearing the jersey alone or with their family, or it’s being sold everywhere. Most sign the NFL Players Association’s group licensing agreement, which allows the union to promote their name, likeness, and image to various companies. But Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals’ rookie wide receiver, has had an unusual start.
He has yet to sign the group license deal and is now embroiled in a legal dispute with the sportswear firm Fanatics. According to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss and Adam Schefter, Fanatics has sued Harrison Jr. in New York Supreme Court for breach of contract. In the lawsuit, Fanatics claims Harrison Jr. violated a contract he signed in May 2023.
The corporation argues that Harrison Jr. refuses to perform his contractual commitments. Harrison Jr. has publicly said that the contract does not exist. ESPN stated that the arrangement included “autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel, and other marketing opportunities.”
According to ESPN, the lawsuit names “The Official Harrison Collection LLC” as a defendant. Harrison Jr. has been selling signed memorabilia through The Official Harrison Collection’s website, which claims to be the only place fans can get signed things from Harrison Jr.
Fanatics reportedly stated in the lawsuit that Harrison Jr. never furnished them with competing proposals, while warning them that they needed to meet or exceed other offers.
The corporation hopes that the suit concludes with Harrison Jr. meeting the duties that he originally agreed to. They have apparently requested a jury trial, with damages estimated in the “millions of dollars” range. Harrison Jr. does not have an agency and has been represented by his father, Marvin Harrison, Sr.
Harrison Jr. was picked fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft and is widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the draft class. He has the potential to be one of the NFL’s next stars, so this is not a great start for him.
