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Final Up to date On: September twenty fourth, 2024
For those who’re a soccer fan, you’ve in all probability seen an attention-grabbing development emerge over the previous few seasons. Whereas our dad and mom might need collected playing cards of legendary operating backs like Barry Sanders’ 1989 Rating card or Bo Jackson’s 1990 Rating card, we’re in an altogether completely different period of soccer.
In brief, we’re within the age of the receiver. You don’t should look far to see how prevalent the large receiver (and even tight finish) place has develop into. Heck, even Netflix can’t get sufficient of them. The 2024 draft promised to herald a bunch of elite receiving expertise, however one prospect stands above the remainder: Marvin Harrison, Jr.
On this submit, we’re speaking all about Marvin Harrison Jr. playing cards, his latest contract dispute with Fanatics, what it means for gathering his playing cards and memorabilia and, maybe extra importantly, what it means for the interest writ giant.
Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Marvin Harrison Jr.
One in all my favourite strains an expert scout will give goes one thing like this: Participant X would have been the highest decide in every other draft if Participant Y wasn’t additionally within the draft.
Why do I like this chorus? It certainly underscores how proficient Participant X is and the way elite Participant Y is. And within the 2024 draft, there have been loads of Participant X receivers however just one Participant Y: Marvin Harrison Jr. (who we’ll name MHJ for the remainder of the submit).
If the title sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of it ought to. MHJ’s dad (we’ll offer you one guess as to his title) was a Tremendous Bowl champion, perennial Professional Bowler with the Indianapolis Colts, and was inducted into the Corridor of Fame in 2016.
Not solely does MHJ have robust receiving genes, however he performed school ball at Ohio State, a program identified for churning out excellent large receivers lately. Within the final three drafts, four Ohio State wide receivers have gone within the first spherical: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and, most lately, MHJ. Right here’s a blurb from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on MHJ:
Harrison is a landing champ with a wide range of methods to excel, and that attribute figures to observe him into the professionals. He has the traits and instruments to win in all three phases of the route and on all three ranges of the sphere. He’s a pedigree prospect and a Day 1 starter with high-end manufacturing anticipated.
Nonetheless another scout heralded MHJ because the “finest large receiver [they had] seen in school soccer since Randy Moss.”
The Arizona Cardinals jumped on the chance to pick out MHJ fourth total within the 2024 draft, the primary non-quarterback to be taken and the best draft spot for a wideout since AJ Inexperienced in 2011. Hype is an important X-factor in a participant’s card or memorabilia taking off, so naturally we’d anticipate MHJ’s merchandise to fly off the cabinets.
Fanatics Feud
Again once we put up our NFL Preseason Buyer’s Guide, you’ll have seen MHJ’s title conspicuously lacking from the bunch of touted rookie receivers. That’s as a result of, for now, MHJ is locked in a lawsuit with Fanatics over whether or not the receiver is contractually obligated to offer autographed playing cards, attire, and seem at promotional occasions.
According to a lawsuit filed by Fanatics, MHJ was set to earn over $1 million from April 1, 2024, by March 31, 2026, from the corporate “in alternate for recreation jerseys and greater than 35,000 autographs.” By signing a contract with Fanatics, the corporate would preserve the “unique, worldwide buying and selling card (bodily and digital) and buying and selling card autograph proper” associated to Marvin Harrison Jr. playing cards.
Harrison, nonetheless, denies there being any such binding settlement. The crux of Harrison’s declare lies in two elements. First, the preliminary contract (referred to as a “binding time period sheet”) he (could or could not have) signed included a provision to “negotiate an settlement to mix, amend, and restate” the deal.
Second, MHJ claims his father signed the licensing settlement for MHJ’s L.L.C. “The Official Harrison Assortment Firm.” As the only worker and proprietor of the Assortment Firm, MHJ claims that any contract his father (who MHJ admitted is an agent of the corporate) signed doesn’t prolong to him.
Potential Fallout
As a result of ongoing litigation, the NFLPA has suggested the Cardinals in opposition to promoting any formally licensed Marvin Harrison, Jr. gear. It’s a particular sting to Cardinals followers (and basic soccer followers) who wish to assist and enjoy MHJ’s greatness.
However ought to we be shocked? MHJ’s Fanatics lawsuit seems to be in stride with player-first actions in different sports activities, most notably basketball. On the plus facet, basketball gamers are utilizing their standing to leverage higher offers with groups and sponsors. On the down facet, gamers are much more transient than they as soon as had been, roving from franchise to franchise looking for “the best match.”
In truth, I can’t blame MHJ for eager to eke out each penny he can. In any case, his profession window is strikingly shorter than the overwhelming majority of the workforce.
However I don’t suppose that’s the principle story right here. I’m no authorized professional, however my inclination is that Fanatics will prevail. What’s extra necessary is that somebody is taking over Fanatics and its latest near-monopolistic takeover of the interest. I don’t suppose MHJ has any grand, ideological visions of a David vs Goliath battle with Fanatics.
I additionally wouldn’t take MHJ’s lawsuit as an indication of what’s to come back. Each different rookie signed the licensing settlement, each different rookie may have their jerseys on the market, and each different rookie will see their playing cards printed.
Essentially the most lasting impression this may make could be to power athletes to suppose twice earlier than signing licensing agreements. Maybe they may negotiate particular phrases (past {dollars} and cents) to make sure their product is well-looked. May there be extra negotiation on the kinds or portions of playing cards printed to offer a participant’s card doesn’t suffer from overprinting? It’s a protracted shot, but it surely’s price contemplating. Particularly as players are collecting sports cards now more than ever.
Amassing Marvin Harrison Jr. Playing cards
Virtually talking, MHJ has the advantage of taking part in in an period the place receivers rule. We’ve seen different high-profile wideouts – Justin Jefferson, JaMarr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb – push pretty robust gross sales lately.
| Participant | Card | Final Sale Worth |
| Justin Jefferson | 2020 Prizm Justin Jefferson #398 Purple /125 PSA 10 |
$1,530 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 2020 Optic CeeDee Lamb #DT36 Downtown PSA 10 |
$1,200 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 2021 Optic Ja’Marr Chase #DT-36 Downtown PSA 10 |
$1,150 |
| Tyreek Hill | 2016 Prizm Tyreek Hill #296 Gold /10 BGS 9.5 |
$4,495 |
That chart doesn’t even listing the thrilling crop of non-MHJ rookies within the 2024 class: Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas, Jr., and Xavier Worthy, amongst others.
There’s actually a flip facet to the period wherein MHJ performs: the dearth of expertise. As new receivers proceed setting the bar excessive, it could be troublesome for MHJ to actually separate himself from the pack. MHJ is a participant who ought to be capable to meet and crash by no matter ceiling is positioned on him, however the level stays: in a crowded subject, he’ll have to noticeably shine.
Present Card Market
There are a number of choices followers should personal a MHJ card. For now, they’re one thing akin to a participant’s early Topps Now card – the primary look, however likely not the most valuable. As Panini continues manufacturing playing cards earlier than the ultimate 12 months of their contract expires, licensed NFL rookie playing cards of MHJ ought to hit the market assuming no authorized hurdles (it’s our understanding there aren’t any obstacles between MHJ and Panini-produced playing cards right now).
Rating
Rating, a Panini Firm, printed its personal MHJ card as a part of its Rating-a-Deal with set. The Halloween-themed set consists of 300 veterans and 49 “rising star” rookies. Whereas the design is probably not for everybody – Beckett likens it to Topps’ winter Vacation parallels – the rookies include a Trick or Deal with parallel numbered /99.
Rating additionally launched a number of MHJ playing cards in its 2024 football checklist (click on Full Guidelines to see all of them), together with inserts akin to “Emerged”, “Sizzling Rookies”, and “Intergalactic.” All of the playing cards function Harrison in an Ohio State jersey, nonetheless.
Bowman College
After Rating, Bowman U playing cards are one other means at attaining a MHJ card. Every season Bowman, identified extra for its baseball rookies than soccer gamers, prints units that includes school gamers (therefore the “U” in “Bowman U”). Bowman U playing cards, whereas not as useful in comparison with a participant’s skilled playing cards, nonetheless are available a wide range of parallels.
As we lined in our deep dive on WNBA and Caitlin Clark cards, collegiate playing cards can typically rise in reputation when a participant is extra carefully affiliated with a school group than an expert one, or when a collector desires to get forward of the market and put money into any card that includes that participant.
Further Merchandise Coming Quickly
Panini will roll out 2024 merchandise all through the NFL season that ought to function MHJ playing cards. The releases under are tentatively scheduled for the next dates:
- 2024 Panini Gold Customary Passion (9/18/2024)
- 2024 Panini Luminance Passion (9/20/2024)
- 2024 Panini Donruss Elite Passion (10/02/2024)
- 2024 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Collegiate Passion (10/4/2024)
- 2024 Panini Origins Passion (10/4/2024)
- 2024 Panini NT Collegiate Passion (10/16/2024)
- 2024 Panini Absolute Passion (10/23/2024) – Kabooms!
- 2024 Panini Licensed Passion (10/30/2024)
Memorabilia
We famous above that MHJ’s purported cope with Fanatics was accomplished through his LLC “The Official Harrison Assortment Firm.” For these seeking to rating on signed MHJ memorabilia, this firm affords a website stocked with a number of tantalizing choices.
A phrase to the smart, nonetheless: the location additionally seems to have autographed gear from Marvin Harrison, Sr., as properly. The 2 autographs are extraordinarily comparable, so it’s incumbent upon every purchaser to make sure that the product they buy was signed by the supposed participant.
Present Marvin Harrison Jr. Playing cards on eBay
Whether or not you’re wanting so as to add a MHJ card right this moment, or come again later as new releases hit the market (or the feud with Fanatics performs out), the next listing is a real-time snapshot of present eBay public sale listings. The outcomes are sorted by playing cards ending soonest and could be adjusted to order by value or playing cards with essentially the most bids.
Abstract
Take into account, the lawsuit over Marvin Harrison Jr. playing cards isn’t Fanatics’ lone authorized battle. Fanatics can also be in a fight against Panini over the previous’s alleged “antitrust” conduct.
What we are able to say for sure is that MHJ’s lawsuit represents a stark departure from the conduct sometimes anticipated of rookies. Luckily, there’s loads of time for the lawsuit to be settled and for followers to get their arms on a licensed MHJ product. In any case, most extremely sought-after soccer playing cards don’t hit the market till the season’s over. Working example: Panini’s 2023 Nationwide Treasures set isn’t schedule for launch till late September 2024.
In the end, time will inform whether or not Marvin Harrison, Jr.’s lawsuit in opposition to Fanatics was a harbinger of issues to come back or merely a flash within the pan. My guess? MHJ and Fanatics settle and the world strikes on.
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