Marvin Harrison Jr. is taking a unique approach to the pre-draft process by focusing on preparing for the NFL season rather than attending workouts at the scouting combine and Ohio State Pro Day. Even after being drafted as the No. 4 overall pick, Harrison continues to blaze his own trail off the field by not signing a preliminary licensing agreement with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). This decision allows him to retain his full NIL (name/image/likeness) rights without being part of the group licensing portion of the union.
There is speculation that Harrison may never sign an official NFLPA licensing deal and could instead design and sell his own jersey or work out individual deals with companies like EA Sports for their ‘Madden’ game. Despite not having an NFLPA deal, Harrison has a memorabilia agreement with Fanatics, but a recent lawsuit from Fanatics claims breach of contract over an agreement worth over $1 million dating back to May.
As a result of not having an official NFLPA deal, there are still no Marvin Harrison Jr. jerseys available for purchase, and he cannot be featured in NFL-licensed video games like the upcoming edition of “Madden.” This situation raises questions about the future of licensing deals and partnerships for college players who have benefited from NIL deals.
