Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has been making headlines lately, not just for his impressive play on the field, but for his professionalism and loyalty off the field as well. Despite facing some challenges during his final year at Ohio State, Harrison has shown maturity and class in how he handles tough situations.
One particular incident that showcased Harrison’s character was during an interview with New York Giants wide receiver coach Mike Groh on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Groh was discussing some bad throws made by former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord, who had since transferred to Syracuse, during their time together with the Buckeyes. Groh pointed out instances where McCord missed Harrison for potential touchdown passes, highlighting the quarterback’s struggles with accuracy.
Instead of throwing McCord under the bus or criticizing his former teammate, Harrison remained composed and refused to speak ill of the quarterback. When asked what he would say to McCord after a bad throw, Harrison simply replied, “I don’t say anything to the quarterbacks,” emphasizing his focus on making plays regardless of the circumstances.
Despite facing challenges with McCord at quarterback, Harrison still managed to put up impressive numbers during his final year at Ohio State. While his statistics may have been slightly lower compared to playing with star quarterback C.J. Stroud, Harrison continued to excel on the field and contribute to the team’s success.
Harrison’s professionalism and loyalty to his teammates have not gone unnoticed, as he was ultimately selected No. 5 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Draft. The Giants, who had shown interest in Harrison during the scouting combine, ended up selecting another receiver, Malik Nabers, with the No. 6 overall pick.
In a sports world where egos and controversies often dominate the headlines, Marvin Harrison Jr. stands out as a shining example of integrity and sportsmanship. His ability to handle adversity with grace and remain focused on his goals is a testament to his character and dedication to the game. As he transitions to the NFL, Harrison’s positive attitude and work ethic will undoubtedly continue to set him apart both on and off the field.