Marvin Harrison Jr. Already Has the Best Mentor? Larry Fitzgerald Says ‘His Dad Was Better Than Me’

Marvin Harrison Jr. had a solid rookie year and even tied the rookie receiving touchdown record of Larry Fitzgerald ad Anquan Boldin.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Already Has the Best Mentor? Larry Fitzgerald Says ‘His Dad Was Better Than Me’

Marvin Harrison Jr, Marvin Harrison Jr; Larry Fitzgerald (Images via AZ Central/The Stampede Blue)

In 2024, the Arizona Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr., son of former Indianapolis Colts HOF wideout Marvin Harrison Sr, with the fourth pick in the league. The junior Harrison, being the son of a Super Bowl champion and a Hall of Famer, carried a lot of expectations and comparisons. The comparisons, however, weren’t to his father, but a Cardinals legend, Larry Fitzgerald.

Larry Fitzgerald, who’s on his way to the HOF, spent eighteen seasons with the Cardinals from 2004 to his retirement in 2020. Widely considered as one of the best wide receivers in history, Fitzgerald recorded 121 receiving touchdowns from 17,492 yards and 1,432 receptions. Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowler, is also among the best players in the league without a ring.

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s high draft selection had the Cardinals’ fans jubilant, fresh with memories of their first Super Bowl appearance in 2008. Although they lost the championship to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the hope never faded.

As the comparisons to the Cardinals legend grew louder, the man himself offered a grounded perspective. Speaking with reporters during the celebrity softball game hosted by Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Fitzgerald gave a unique perspective on why he hasn’t imposed himself as a mentor to Harrison Jr.

Fitzgerald admitted that the junior Harrison had a perfect mentor in the form of his father, Harrison Sr., who had no less of a career. However, he also noted that in any case, Harrison Jr. approached him with any need, he would be there to help him out.

He’s a lovely young man. But I just try to stay out of the way. If he ever needs anything, I told him I’m always available for him, any way that I can be helpful, but fortunately he has a father who was a heck of a lot better than I was, so he can tap into him whenever he likes.

Larry Fitzgerald said

Marvin Harrison Sr. played his entire career in Indianapolis, where he set several records. As of writing, he and Peyton Manning still hold the record for most completions, passing touchdowns, and yards between a wideout and a quarterback. Harrison Sr. also played a huge role in the Colts’ first championship since relocating to the city.

Larry Fitzgerald is hopeful for Marvin Harrison Jr’s next season

Marvin Harrison Jr. has set himself up for a pretty decent first year with the Cardinals. The Arizona Cardinals, although they started 1-3 to the season, got on track ahead of the bye week. However, they only managed to win twice following the bye week and crashed out of the season.

Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Image via Reception Perception)

Nevertheless, Harrison Jr had a decent individual season despite several struggles, including some tension with Murray. He played all regular season games, starting in 16 of them and recorded 8 touchdowns from 62 receptions and 885 receiving yards. He also tied the rookie record for a Cardinals wideout for most receiving touchdowns, held by Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

Larry Fitzgerald has followed the young Pennsylvanian’s career and spoke highly of his potential.

I saw a guy who made a lot of plays. He did a really good job. When the ball came to him, he made his plays. He’s only gonna continue to get better, so I’m excited to see his year two.

Larry Fitzgerald said

However, the junior Harrison is not worried about his numbers. He is more focused on getting the team to the playoffs. In a press meet in Phoenix, he noted that the Cardinals currently have all the pieces to take the team to the postseason. The Cardinals haven’t been to the playoffs since 2021, when they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the wildcard round.

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