Over the past year, Marvin Harrison Jr. has acquired a collection of distinctive labels.
Most consider him a “generational talent.” Many believe he is the best prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.And Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James called him a star. Ohio State wide receiver, simply “HIM”
Harrison will be considered the footwear company's football face after signing a multi-year sponsorship deal with New Balance, the Boston brand officially announced Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Harrison, the son of former Indianapolis Colts wideout and 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Harrison, joins Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young as the only player to represent New Balance. and Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans. N.F.L.
New Balance hand-picked Harrison to headline the first boot designed specifically for American football in the brand's 118-year history. New Balance's debut models of the Fortress and Prodigy will be unveiled in Detroit on Thursday ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft, where Harrison is expected to be a top-five pick.
During his rookie season, Harrison would sport a low-cut silhouette of skill and speed dubbed the Prodigy.
“From our first conversation with Marvin, it was clear he was a great fit for us at New Balance,” Naveen Lokesh, head of global sports marketing for New Balance American football and basketball, said in a statement. “Marvin's drive, passion, and incredible work ethic speak to what he does on and off the field. His dedication to everything he does puts New Balance in the American football category. We are excited to begin this journey together and co-write our legacy in sports culture. ”
andscape I caught up with Harrison via the Zoom platform a few days before the draft. Wearing a black “NB” beanie and smiling proudly, he talked about his groundbreaking endorsement deal with New Balance.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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How did this partnership develop and what were the factors behind your decision to begin your NFL career with New Balance?
I think New Balance and I share the same values. Most importantly, this brand allows us to influence the community and the younger generation. I want to inspire young athletes to be great in their own way.
When did the conversation with New Balance begin? When did the conversation with NB begin?
My father handled all of my NIL transactions while I was in college. He wanted me to focus only on soccer. So, for me, that process didn't start until after last season. Once I started attending meetings, New Balance and I connected on another level. The people at the brand shared similar family values that were very important to me. New Balance felt like a close-knit group, like a family business, so it was an easy decision for me. And now I already have my own small tight circle at New Balance.
What does it mean to join a brand that wants you to be the face of its foray into football?
There is certainly value in being the face of a brand, especially one that enters the football world. But it just gives me the opportunity to go out and inspire the younger generation. That's what I'm most excited about, and New Balance seemed to feel the same way.
How involved was the pitching process from New Balance from a shoe perspective?
I had my foot measured. That was the first part of the process. Then they started asking me what I liked about my spikes. I could tell they wanted to make sure I had what was best for me and it felt very supportive. This moment was special. Because I felt like I needed to get out of their way and listen to what was best for me. I told them I wanted to feel comfortable and supported while performing at a high level. Prodigy cleats check all of these boxes for me. I honestly couldn't be more pleased with this cleat.
Is this your first time having your feet officially measured?
When you first arrive in Ohio, your feet will be measured. But it was the first time since then. I don't think there was anything particularly strange this time. My size is my size.
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What do you think about the first time you trained or played in New Balance shoes?
The cleats felt great, mainly because New Balance had already built a reputation for comfort based on their other athletic shoes for lifestyle and various sports. In terms of comfort, the features of the Football He Cleats are exactly the same as everything released by New Balance. The brand is just now adding the performance side of soccer into the mix. As a receiver, you have to make a lot of movement and adjust your foot position to run fast and change direction. And thanks to New Balance cleats, you can do everything at a very high level. Indeed, the combination of comfort and performance is remarkable.
When you think back to your childhood, when did you realize your pops had shoe endorsement deals?
He always wore multiple pairs of Air Jordans that seemed to come out of nowhere. [Laughs.] Then I found out he had a deal with Jordan.
Have you ever played in his Jordan PE? [player-exclusive] Cleats?
Oh no. My dad had a completely different design of cleats for astroturf. As a kid, I played on regular grass, so I never used his cleats. He thinks he's probably a 12, but I wear a size 13.
Are there any obvious superstitions?
Actually, I don't have anything. As long as your cleats feel good, you're ready to rock and roll.
Only four wide receivers in NFL history have worn their signature shoes off the field. Can you name me?
I've never really tracked it. But I know Calvin Johnson had one.
Is a signature shoe your goal?
Maybe someday, somewhere. Whatever happens will happen as I continue to build this relationship. If a signature shoe is the direction New Balance and I are going, that would be great. It would definitely be an honor to have my own signature shoe. But let's see what happens in the future.
You've often been called a “generational talent,” and you're about to begin your NFL career wearing cleats called the Prodigy. Is there any pressure to take on that nickname?
I think I have equally high standards for myself. I already put so much pressure on myself to achieve certain goals that I don't think any more pressure will affect me. I don't want to do too much, but I want to go out and work as hard as I can and perform to the best of my ability.
As the face of the brand in soccer, what direction do you want New Balance to go in the next few years?
This opportunity is very meaningful. I hope that my platform and this partnership will help me give back to communities in my hometown of Philadelphia, Columbus, Ohio, where I attended Ohio State University, and wherever I was drafted to go to my new city. hoping. I'm ready to inspire young athletes to make it to the NFL one day.
Have you ever thought how great it would be to see your kids wear New Balance cleats because of you?
absolutely. Because we already know it's going to be great.My brother is behind me [Jett Harrison], the 14-year-old will likely be wearing New Balance cleats for the first time. He's going to wear the same spikes as me, it's going to be really cool. It will be interesting to see how much the brand grows and hopefully takes over soccer fields.
