Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. said on June 2 that last season’s injuries and time away from the field have given him a greater appreciation for the game. Harrison, who had never missed a game before, dealt with two foot issues, a concussion in Week 6 against the Colts, emergency appendicitis surgery in November, and both heel and foot injuries.
“It sucks not playing,” Harrison said. “I’ve never been injured or missed a game, from little league to high school to college, so staying on the sidelines, that definitely sucks for half the year basically. I don’t want to say it lights a fire, just makes you appreciate the game more.”
In 12 games played last season, Harrison recorded 41 receptions for 609 yards and four touchdowns. His best performances came against teams like the Seahawks and Titans—where he totaled 10 receptions for 165 yards—and against the Cowboys with seven catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. However, each strong performance was followed by another injury setback.
“Comfort me? No,” Harrison said when asked about his statistical highlights. “I don’t really look at any positives, it’s always kind of the negative. I don’t really think about the Dallas game much or any of the other games before, just what to improve on,” he said. He attributed this mindset to his father, Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr.
With coach Mike LaFleur installing a new offense this year for the Arizona Cardinals—a professional football team in Glendale serving greater Phoenix as part of the NFC West division, according to the official website—Harrison is expected to play an expanded role as an outside X receiver but will also move around formations through motion plays.
LaFleur compared Harrison’s potential usage to Davante Adams with the Rams and Julio Jones with the Falcons: “(Marv) is our X receiver, but again you can move him around that sometimes he is and sometimes he’s not.” LaFleur added praise for Harrison’s process: “Good stuff is going to happen. I hope they believe that because I certainly do.” The coach also noted that due to Harrison’s high football IQ he learns quickly during practice sessions.
For now, staying healthy remains a top priority for Harrison as he focuses on learning Arizona’s new offensive system: “I feel like if I’m out there everything is going to take care of itself,” he said.
