Marvin Harrison Jr., the college standout from Ohio State recently drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, is embroiled in a tangled web of uncertainty surrounding his NFL merchandising rights. Despite a pre-existing deal with Fanatics inked before his final year at Ohio State, Harrison finds his professional licensing status in limbo as he steps onto the grand stage of the NFL.
Reports from ESPN indicate that Harrison is still in the process of finalizing an agreement with NFL Players Inc., the entity responsible for managing the marketing rights of NFL players collectively. Without this crucial contract in place, Harrison’s inclusion in NFL-sanctioned merchandise, including trading cards and team jerseys, hangs in the balance. The delay is attributed to Harrison’s desire for a more lucrative financial arrangement, particularly in light of renewing his partnership with Fanatics.
His initial contract with Fanatics encompassed a wide array of facets, ranging from autographs to trading cards featuring his likeness and even game-worn apparel. During his last season at Ohio State, Harrison was prominently featured in Topps’ Bowman U line, with his autograph stickers gracing the packs for eager collectors and fans alike.
Should Harrison come to terms with Fanatics on a new deal, it is anticipated that Topps, now under the Fanatics umbrella, would be tasked with producing his NFL trading cards and autographs. Consequently, this exclusive partnership might lead to the exclusion of his autographed items from Panini’s trading card offerings, given Fanatics’ tendency to secure sole agreements.
The situation draws parallels with CJ Stroud, another Ohio State alumni turned Houston Texans quarterback, who, like Harrison, signed an exclusive agreement with Fanatics while also striking a deal with the NFLPA’s marketing division. This strategic move granted Panini the ability to showcase Stroud in their card collections, whereas only Fanatics and Topps possessed the rights to his autograph cards upon his NFL entry.
Amidst the negotiations and uncertainties, Harrison remains undeterred in engaging with his dedicated fanbase. He continues to offer autographed merchandise directly through his personal website, featuring coveted items such as jerseys, helmets, and footballs. The direct sales serve as a testament to Harrison’s commitment to his supporters, even as the official resolution to his NFL merchandising rights remains up in the air.
