You don't know anything about Marvin Harrison, and Marvin Harrison would like to keep it that way. The league's most difficult cover opens up up Sally Jenkins in this Washington Post article, but only to talk about how much he hates opening up.He rarely talks to his offensive coordinator. He keeps a low profile in the locker room. Even his best friend on the team, Dwight Freeney, says that Harrison is impossible to know. He won't talk about his off-field interests, nor what he plans to do with his master's degree that he's three credits away from. Look at this quote:
"I'd prefer to play in an empty stadium," he says softly. "It would be, um, not less embarrassing, but I don't like the focus directly on me, not anything, no one, no cameras. If I had to I would just play in front of no fans."While the Colts might not want to use that particular quote in next year's marketing campaign (Hey fans! You can buy tickets if you want, but Marvin Harrison would rather you weren't there!), but I think it's cool. Marvin Harrison's a guy who just wants to do his job, he wants to do it better than you, and he's going to find a way to do it. On Sundays, nothing else matters to him. Just playing the best he can.
It's an outstanding article by Sally Jenkins, and has some great quotes from teammates and friends, including a story about how he once reluctantly agreed to race the school's best sprinter in high school, and then smoked him as every teacher and student in the place looked on.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-19-2006 @ 3:48AM
keith said...
Three words describe Marvin Harrison. "A class act!"
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10-19-2006 @ 6:05AM
Mitchell B.Sandlin said...
Marvin is class, period. Unlike Mr. James who chaffed because he was not looked upon as a big a star as Peyton Manning. Well, Mr. James sure made the Cardinals better!!. Not!!! He fund out the offensive line and a passing game has a lot to do with running the ball sucessfully.
Marvis is a breath of fresh air. A throw back to Old School. He and Peyton remind me of Unitas and Berry.
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10-19-2006 @ 8:17AM
Ranney said...
People are blurring their adjectives again. Yes, Harrison is the best, but if we barely know him, how can we claim he's a class act. It is sports collunists' ability to slap "campbell soup" labels on atheletes that set-up Koby Bryant like dissapointments. Introversion and humility are not necessarily the same thing. And, just because someone has a very expressive personality and enjoys celebrating their small and big victories, does not mean they want to "just do their job" any less than an introvert. T.O. is a problem overall, but to the Joe Horns and Chad Johnsons have incredible work ethic and do not bring their teams down. Was Ali less passionate than Frazier? No. It's nice to get know Harrison better, but why is their need to be perjorative to his peers - who I'm sure he respects - to praise Marvin? Old and not very subtle division tactic.
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10-19-2006 @ 8:20AM
rob french said...
Marvin harrison is a true athlete, he shows up does what he is supposed to do and he goes home. There is no off the field distractions, like other athletes.He is a true leader on and off the field and a great role model.Keep up the great leadership Marvin, we as fans respect how you conduct yourself on and off the field. GO COLTS!!!.
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10-19-2006 @ 9:27AM
Ian said...
I'm not trying to be flip right here, but I wonder how much this may have to do with the rumors that Harrison is gay.
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10-19-2006 @ 9:56AM
JJ said...
I think Ian is on the money. But, you can't question his accomplishments on the field, or his "old school" style speech concerning accolades that come his way. He just might be "THE MAN" on and off the field!
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10-19-2006 @ 11:46AM
Juan said...
I can relate to Mr. Harrison's personality. Is a matter of hating the spotlight, rejection and embarrassment.
Maintaining a low profile is not the norm or fashionable in an era of supersize egos of the 'me, me, & only me' generation of pro-athletes -- but it sure is a welcome 'breath of fresh air', and humbling.
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10-19-2006 @ 12:20PM
John Santoro said...
He reminds me so much of the Redskin's Art Monk...a quiet player that competed hard and gave his all during every game. Both are such humble players that respected the game immensely.
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10-19-2006 @ 12:54PM
TOM COFFEY said...
MR HARRISON IS THE EXAMPLE FO WHAT A TRUE PROFESSIONAL
IS SUPPOSED TO BE. HE IS THE BEST AT WHAT HE DOES AND HE DOES NOT NEED ANYONE TO TELL HIM HE IS THE BEST. HE IS ALSO THE MOST INTIMIDATING RECIEVER IN THE GAME. WHEN HE GETS TO THE END ZONE HE DOES NOT ACT LIKE ITS THE FIRST TIME HE HAS BEEN THERE. ASK THE DEFENSIVE BACKS WHO STRIKES FEAR IN THEM WHEN THEY HAVE TO COVER THEM? I BET MR HARRISON IS ON THE LIST.
WE NEED A WHOLE LOT MORE OF PROFESSIONALS LIKE HIM IN
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10-19-2006 @ 1:38PM
Jamie Mottram said...
Monk and Harrison, two record-setting, introverted receivers and both, coincidentally when to Syracuse.
And Ian, what Harrison-is-gay rumors have you heard?
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10-19-2006 @ 1:45PM
Rich said...
The man is just as cool and laid back as can be. Sure you have the Qwens and Moss' of the NFL, that complain just to be in the news. While Marvin goes about his business of breaking records and winning games.
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10-19-2006 @ 1:50PM
FOBB ROCK said...
THIS GUY AND "BIG GAME" TORI HOLT ARE THE REAL DEAL WIDEOUTS
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10-19-2006 @ 2:15PM
John said...
He is all the more reason you hope guys like T.O. and Randy Moss would just retire because they are nothing but ME guys and they embrass the game.
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10-19-2006 @ 2:15PM
John said...
He is all the more reason you hope guys like T.O. and Randy Moss would just retire because they are nothing but ME guys and they embrass the game.
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10-20-2006 @ 12:14AM
Cox said...
Now I kind of want to see a football game or really any sporting event played in front of zero people. I bet it'd be kinda cool.
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10-20-2006 @ 8:28AM
mark in indy said...
not bad for the 4th receiver taken in that years draft 19th i think(((( (get me the dam ball )))))lmao
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10-20-2006 @ 12:26PM
tommy said...
Marvin Harrison is my favorite colt.People are trying to find something about this guy because he keeps to himself. It is nothing wrong in separating your personnel life and professional life.Please let this man continue to perform on the field and don't worry about his personnel life.
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10-21-2006 @ 3:18PM
vickie said...
he his quite leave him alone
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10-22-2006 @ 10:19AM
Tony in MD said...
Marvin Harrison is a class act.He is disciplined and respectful of the game and its rules.You never see him act like an ass after a touchtdown.NEVER.He is a role model,not T.O.
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10-22-2006 @ 12:42PM
Stewart Calkins said...
Marvin Harrison has been a joy to watch as a Colts season ticket holder since he came to the team. He and Peyton Manning epitomize the mantra of distinguished professionals. Never in the history of the NFL have two players so consistently and epeatedly demonstrated the artistry between a receiver and his QB. Marvin's records will stand for many decades, if not all time to come.
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