Colts Release Marvin Harrison, for Real This Time

Rumors started swirling last Wednesday. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported that Marvin Harrison's days were numbered in Indianapolis. Then, on Sunday, Harrison asked to be released after refusing to take a pay cut. The Colts were apparently for his release, before they were against it, before they were for it again.

Shorter, clearer version: Indy officially cut Harrison Tuesday afternoon. Hardly surprising given the buildup, but it's another big change in an offseason full of them for the Colts. Head coach Tony Dungy retired, defensive coordinator Ron Meeks was fired and now Harrison, the team's 1996 first-round pick and eight-time Pro Bowler, is no longer with the organization. Team president Bill Polian sounded the right tone in announcing the move:

"This is a sad day for the Colts. Marvin Harrison, in addition to being a certain Hall of Famer, has been a good friend, model professional and a loyal and dedicated teammate. His record-setting achievements brought about by immense talent, work ethic and dignified professional demeanor have thrilled Colts fans for a generation.

Marvin today takes his place alongside Raymond Berry, forming the greatest receiving tandem in Colts history. He will, in due time, join Raymond in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and take his rightful place with the greatest players in the history of the game."

Next up: finding someone to replace Harrison. It's not clear if the Colts will look to the April draft or if they can get by with the group currently on the roster. Reggie Wayne will be the No. 1 receiver -- as he has been for a couple seasons now -- and Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark will share the role of second and third options. Joseph Addai, coming out of the backfield, adds another pass-catching alternative.

It's almost blasphemous to even write, but Indianapolis has bigger personnel needs than landing another wideout, even one like Harrison, who will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer five years after he retires.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-24-2009 @ 7:56PM

roidfreeordie said...

This is HUGE news. Marvin Harrison is an all-time...wait, I dont have him on any fantasy team (nor have I for 3 years).
Goodbye loser.

2-24-2009 @ 9:14PM

buddzkmk420 said...

Goodbye loser? Are you insane? Or just plain ignorant? Come on now, this dude is only behind Jerry Rice, so please pay respect where respect is due, or just shut your mouth.

2-24-2009 @ 10:08PM

anthonysofly420 said...

i agree with you buddzkmk420 some people show no respect for harrison even though he made a huge touchdown reception againtst chigaco to give us our first superbowl title and he should have stayed but the chocice is his and a lot of people are saying he maybe going back to his hometown phi to play with them we will just have to wait and see later marvin you gave us a good 13 years you will be greatly missed and your jersey should be retired in the future

2-25-2009 @ 10:23AM

Matt Snyder said...

Harrison definitely did not catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.

2-25-2009 @ 1:51AM

George said...

If you don't remember, a long time ago, the Redskins made the same sort of decision with Art Monk at a similar age. The results were 2 years with the Jets for Monk with a high of about 40 catches. Loyalty is one thing, but it's still a business. Harrison hasn't been a top receiver in two years, he's 37, and he was going to have the highest salary cap figure for a receiver in the league. It only makes sense to let him go if he won't renegotiate.

2-25-2009 @ 12:13PM

renren222 said...

If Marvin goes to Phil they would welcome him with open arms, besides Phil need a veteran receiver to throw to. Send him to Phil please.

2-25-2009 @ 12:48PM

jnlee4 said...

Thank you buddzkmk420 for bringing up that point.

Hey roidfreeordie...you really must be crazy. You must lose your fantasy league every season. Must a woman explain football stats to you?

In 2002 Harrison broke Herman Moore's single season receptions record by 20 receptions. He finished with 143 catches, and he also had over 1,700 yards receiving. In December, 2006 Harrison became just the fourth player in NFL history to record 1000 receptions, joining Jerry Rice (1549), Cris Carter (1101), and Tim Brown (1094). He is also one of only seven wide receivers in NFL history to reach 100 touchdowns. During a 2007 game against the Denver Broncos, Harrison injured his knee. In 2008 in a game against the Detroit Lions, Marvin Harrison caught his 1,095th career reception, passing Tim Brown for third all time. In the final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans Harrison caught seven passes, the last of which moved him past Cris Carter for second place on the all-time receptions list.

You’re right….sounds like a huge disappointment, right?! Come on, don’t diss a great football player like Marvin Harrison. Show some respect.

3-15-2009 @ 6:03AM

rosshfmixx said...

good luck marvin,most people didn't like you anyway,i did,keep your head up.

3-29-2009 @ 7:23PM

scramasax said...

How can anyone knock Marvin Harrison? As A Patriot Fan I regarded Harrison as a Pain in A$$ and I meant that in a complimentry manner. Colt Fans will know what I mean.