In Arizona, the excitement is palpable as former Cardinals’ wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald shares his thoughts on the team’s current WR1, Marvin Harrison Jr.. This weekend, at Kyler Murray’s charity softball game, Fitzgerald reflected on Harrison’s progress during his rookie season. “I saw a guy who made a lot of plays,” Fitzgerald stated. “He did a really good job. When the ball came to him, he made his plays. He’s only gonna continue to get better so I’m excited to see his Year 2.”
Harrison Jr. had a solid rookie season, accumulating 885 yards and eight touchdowns on 62 receptions. However, considering he was the fourth overall pick in the draft and the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, there were higher expectations. At times, he struggled to connect with Kyler Murray, resulting in missed opportunities and double-digit games with fewer than 50 receiving yards. Throughout the season, he found himself in the shadow of other rookie wideouts, making his performance seem less impressive than anticipated.
Despite these challenges, Fitzgerald remains optimistic about Harrison’s future potential. Interestingly, Fitzgerald’s rookie numbers mirrored Harrison’s, as he recorded 780 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 receptions in his inaugural season. The hall-of-famer also pointed out that Harrison could face a similar breakout season in Year 2, much like Fitzgerald did, who led the league with 103 receptions and 1,409 yards in his second year.
Fitzgerald has offered to support Harrison as he continues to develop his game. “If he ever needs anything, I told him, I’m always available for him any way I can be helpful,” Fitzgerald mentioned. This relationship could prove beneficial, especially with Harrison having the legacy of his father to guide him.
In other NFL news, the Tennessee Titans have signed Xavier Restrepo, a wide receiver out of the University of Miami. Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Shelby Harris expressed his determination to improve their schedule’s visibility and prove critics wrong. Free-agent safety Jamal Adams wishes for a return to the New York Jets for a redemptive season, and De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins aims for an even stronger Year 3. Also noteworthy, the San Francisco 49ers recently struck a five-year deal worth $265 million with Brock Purdy.
As summer unfolds and training camps near, anticipation grows across the league, and fans are eager to see how players like Harrison Jr. will evolve as the stakes rise.
