Marvin Harrison Jr., the promising talent out of Ohio State selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, finds himself in a tangled web of uncertainty surrounding the rights to his trading cards and autographs. Despite having inked a comprehensive deal with Fanatics before leaving Ohio State, his transition to the professional level has opened a can of worms regarding his NFL-related merchandising rights.
The crux of the matter lies in the fact that Harrison has yet to finalize an agreement with NFL Players Inc., the entity responsible for managing the collective marketing rights of NFL players. Without this crucial deal in place, the inclusion of Harrison’s likeness on NFL-licensed merchandise, ranging from trading cards to team jerseys, remains up in the air. Sources indicate that the delay stems from Harrison’s desire for a more favorable financial arrangement as he looks to extend his partnership with Fanatics.
His initial contract with Fanatics encompassed a wide array of merchandise, including autographs, trading cards featuring his image, and even game-worn apparel. During his collegiate stint, Harrison was featured in the Topps’ Bowman U line, with his autographed stickers making waves amongst collectors and fans alike.
Should Harrison reach a new agreement with Fanatics, it is anticipated that Topps, now under the Fanatics umbrella, would take the reins in crafting his NFL trading cards and autographs. This shift could potentially result in the exclusion of his autographs from Panini’s trading card packs, as Fanatics typically negotiates exclusive arrangements in such scenarios.
The predicament bears a striking resemblance to the trajectory of CJ Stroud, another Ohio State alum who now calls the shots as the quarterback for the Houston Texans. Stroud, too, had a pact with Fanatics while simultaneously striking a deal with the NFLPA’s marketing arm, allowing Panini to feature him in their card collections. However, only Fanatics/Topps had the green light to include his autograph cards upon his NFL entry.
Amidst this whirlwind of negotiations and agreements, Harrison remains steadfast in engaging with his loyal fanbase through the sale of autographed memorabilia directly via his personal website. Whether it’s jerseys, helmets, or footballs, Harrison’s commitment to his supporters remains unwavering, even as the official stance on his NFL merchandising prospects remains shrouded in ambiguity.