Marvin Harrison Jr., a rising star from Ohio State University, has recently made headlines not just for being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals but also for the uncertainty surrounding his NFL trading card and autograph rights. As he transitions from college football to the big leagues, Harrison finds himself in a bit of a merchandising limbo.
Prior to his NFL draft selection, Harrison inked a deal with Fanatics, a major player in the sports memorabilia market. However, the puzzle isn’t complete until he signs on the dotted line with NFL Players Inc., the group that handles the licensing for NFL players’ merchandise. Without this agreement, Harrison’s presence on NFL-licensed products, including trading cards and team jerseys, remains up in the air.
The delay in signing with NFL Players Inc. appears to stem from Harrison’s desire for a more favorable financial arrangement with Fanatics. This potential hiccup has put a question mark over the production of his NFL trading cards and autographs. Last season, fans were able to get a hold of Harrison’s sticker autographs through Topps’ Bowman U line, showcasing the player’s move from college to the pros.
If Harrison finalizes a new deal with Fanatics, it’s likely that Topps, now under Fanatics’ umbrella, would handle the production of his NFL trading cards and autographs. This exclusivity could mean that Panini, another major player in the trading card market, might miss out on featuring his autographs in their sets, given Fanatics’ tendency to secure exclusive agreements.
This situation draws parallels to fellow Ohio State alum CJ Stroud, now making waves as the quarterback for the Houston Texans. Stroud opted for an exclusive deal with Fanatics while also partnering with the NFLPA’s marketing arm. As a result, Panini was able to include Stroud in their card releases, but autograph rights remained with Fanatics/Topps once he entered the NFL scene.
In the midst of this merchandising tug-of-war, Harrison is keeping the connection strong with his fanbase. Through his personal website, the young athlete continues to offer autographed merchandise such as jerseys, helmets, and footballs, providing a direct channel to his supporters while the official NFL merchandising status hangs in the balance.
As the wait for a resolution continues, both fans and collectors will be eager to see where Marvin Harrison Jr.’s NFL trading cards and autographs will find their place in the ever-evolving landscape of sports memorabilia. Whether he remains loyal to Fanatics or seeks new opportunities with other market players, one thing is certain: Harrison’s merchandise will be in high demand as he embarks on his professional football journey.