During his time at Ohio State, Marvin Harrison Jr. faced challenges due to inconsistent quarterback play. Even when discussing his former teammate Kyle McCord with the New York Giants during the NFL Scouting Combine, Harrison chose not to criticize him.
In a scene from HBO’s Hard Knocks, Giants wide receiver coach Mike Groh questioned Harrison about some of McCord’s inaccurate throws during their time together at Ohio State. Groh pointed out instances where McCord missed Harrison for potential touchdowns, highlighting the struggles they faced as a team.
Despite the differences in performance between McCord and Ohio State’s previous quarterback C.J. Stroud, Harrison remained supportive of McCord. While his statistics were slightly lower when playing with McCord, Harrison’s talent and ability to make plays were evident throughout his time at Ohio State.
In 2022, Harrison had an impressive season with 1,263 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Even though his numbers dipped slightly in 2024 while playing with McCord, he continued to be a reliable target in the end zone. McCord’s stats were respectable, completing over 65% of his passes with 24 touchdowns, many of which were caught by Harrison.
Despite the opportunity to potentially criticize McCord during the meeting with the Giants, Harrison chose to defend his former teammate. The Giants eventually drafted Malik Nabers, a receiver, with the No. 6 overall pick, one spot after Harrison was selected by the Arizona Cardinals.
Harrison’s loyalty and professionalism in handling questions about McCord demonstrate his character and team-first mentality. His ability to rise above challenges and support his teammates sets a positive example for young athletes aspiring to succeed in competitive sports. As Harrison continues his football career in the NFL, his leadership qualities and dedication to his team will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset on and off the field.