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Marvin Harrison Jr. explains how he learned to deal with pressure ahead of Heisman Trophy ceremony

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•12/09/23
Marvin Harrison Jr. by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
(Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

As the Heisman Trophy ceremony fast approaches, all of the four finalists are enjoying their time together in the big city, anxiously awaiting the results. It can create a lot of pressure. But pressure is nothing new for Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

He grew up with pressure, the son of NFL great Marvin Harrison. It helped prepare him for this journey.

“Just the pressure, that’s something that I kind of embraced over time,” Harrison said on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday. “It’s something I got used to since I was young, really always had the pressure being my dad’s son. It’s something I just got used to over time.”

How big a shadow did Marvin Harrison cast over his son?

Try this on for size. He was a Super Bowl champion, a three-time first-team All-Pro, a five-time second-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler. Twice he led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions.

He was also named to the 2000s All-Decade Team and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

So while he didn’t win the Heisman Trophy, he accomplished just about everything else you could in a football career.

No pressure, young gun.

So how has Marvin Harrison Jr. delivered? Harrison finished his junior season with 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also ran twice for 26 yards and a score, putting himself firmly in the mix for the Heisman Trophy.

Asked if he’s deserving of being the Heisman Trophy winner, Harrison beamed.

“Yeah I definitely think I’m one of the best players in the country regardless of position,” he said.

Indeed.

We’ll find out tonight whether Harrison can win the award outright or he’ll finish as one of the top four finalists instead. The other finalists are LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. ET from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City. It will be broadcast live on ESPN.