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Marvin Harrison Jr. Signs New Balance Endorsement Contract Ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Tyler Conway

Marvin Harrison Jr. has found his new team—at least when it comes to apparel.

The Ohio State wide receiver signed a New Balance endorsement contract Tuesday, just days ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.

Harrison is expected to be the face of New Balance's expansion into football apparel. The company, which has seen an uptick in popularity in recent years, has already made an imprint in the NBA.

"There's value, for sure, in being the face of a brand, especially one entering the football world," Harrison told Aaron Dodson of Andscape. "But, it really just gives me an opportunity to be out there and inspire the younger generation. That's what I'm most excited about, and it seemed like New Balance felt the same way."

Harrison is one of three highly touted wide receiver prospects in the 2024 class, joining LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze. He recorded 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award and earning All-American honors for the second straight season.

The son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, the younger Harrison said his father previously handled his NIL deals in college to allow him to concentrate on playing football. The cleat he will be wearing next season is called the Prodigy, and Harrison said a signature line could come down the line.

"I already put a lot of pressure on myself to reach certain goals, to the point that I don't think any added pressure will affect me," Harrison said of being called a "generational talent." "I don't want to do too much, but I want to go out there, work as hard as I can and perform to the best of my abilities."

Harrison is widely expected to be the first receiver taken Thursday night, perhaps as high as No. 4 to the Arizona Cardinals. The B/R Scouting Department ranks him as the No. 1 overall player in the 2024 class.

   

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