Connect with us

Entertainment

Marvin Harrison Jr. joins New Balance as the brand’s football face ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft – Andscape

Published

on

Last 12 months, Marvin Harrison Jr. has acquired a group of distinctive labels.

Most consider him a “generational talent.” Many consider he’s the best prospect in the entire 2024 NFL Draft. LeBron James even called Ohio State University’s star wide receiver “HIS”

Now Harrison Jr. can be considered the face of football at the footwear company after signing a multi-12 months take care of New Balance, the Boston brand officially announced on Tuesday.

Harrison Jr. – The 21-12 months-old son of former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver and 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Harrison – joins defensive ends Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. as the only three players to represent New Balance in the NFL.

However, the brand specifically selected Harrison Jr. the predominant character of the first cleats in the 118-12 months history of the brand, designed especially for American football. New Balance’s debut “Fortress” and “Prodigy” models can be unveiled on Thursday in Detroit ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft, where Harrison Jr. is projected to be the top pick. can be in the top five.

During his rookie season, Harrison Jr. will sport a low-cut silhouette with skill and speed, aptly named “Prodigy.”

“From our first conversation with Marvin, it was clear that he was a perfect fit for us at New Balance,” Naveen Lokesh, New Balance’s director of global sports marketing for American football and basketball, said in a press release. “Marvin’s drive, passion and incredible work ethic are evident on and off the field. His commitment to every little thing he does will help us bring New Balance into the American Football category and push the boundaries of what athletes can do to encourage the next generation. We are excited to start this journey together and co-create our legacy in sports culture.

Over Zoom met with Harrison Jr. a number of days before the draft, who wore a black cap with the word “NB” on it and beamed with pride as he talked about his landmark take care of New Balance.

After a distinguished college profession, Marvin Harrison Jr. will contribute to New Balance’s growing presence in American football.

A brand new balance

How did this cooperation develop? What influenced your decision to begin your NFL profession with New Balance?

I just think that the values ​​we share with New Balance are similar. Most importantly, the brand will allow me to influence the community and the younger generation. I need to encourage young athletes to be great in their very own way.

When did talks with New Balance start? What exactly

My dad handled all my NIL transactions while I used to be in college. He wanted me to focus solely on football. So the process for me only began after last season. Once I began joining meetups, New Balance and I connected on a distinct level. The people on this brand had similar family values, that are really vital to me. New Balance felt like a small family business, which made my decision easier. And now I even have my very own little circle in New Balance.

What does it mean to affix a brand that desires you to be the face of its football journey?

It is unquestionably value being the face of a brand, especially one entering the world of football. But it actually gives me the opportunity to be there and encourage the younger generation. That’s what I’m most enthusiastic about and New Balance looked as if it would feel the same way.

From a footwear standpoint, how involved was the process of pitching New Balance to you?

I measured my feet. This was the first part of the process. Then they began asking what I liked about traffic jams. I could tell they desired to make sure that they provided the best for me, which was an enormous support for me. This moment was special because I felt like I needed to get out of their way and listen to what was best for me. I just told them I desired to feel comfortable and supported and still find a way to perform at a high level. Prodigy blocks tick all these boxes for me. Honestly, I could not be happier with the cork.

Is this the first time you have had your feet officially measured?

When you first get to Ohio State, they measure your feet. But it was my first time since then. I do not think I discovered anything weird this time. My size is my size.

Marvin Harrison Jr. holding one of the first New Balance models from the upcoming football boot collection.

A brand new balance

How would you describe your first training or game in New Balance shoes?

The cleats felt great, mainly because New Balance had already built a repute for lifestyle-based comfort and other athletic shoes for a spread of sports. In terms of comfort, the soccer cleats perform exactly the same as all New Balance products. Now the brand has added a football performance aspect to the mix. As a receiver, I even have to make so much of movements and position my feet to run quickly and alter direction. And the New Balance block allows me to do every little thing at a particularly high level. The combination of comfort and efficiency is unquestionably value attention.

When you reflect in your childhood, when did you realize that your pops had a shoe endorsement deal?

He all the time had all these pairs of Air Jordans that will appear out of nowhere. (laughter) That made me realize he had a contract with Jordan.

Have you ever played in his Jordan PE shoes (players only)?

Nooooo. My dad had completely different designed Astroturf cleats. I played on regular grass as a toddler, so I never used his shoes. I also think he’s perhaps 12 and I’m a size 13.

Any superstitions?

Actually, I have no. I’m able to rock and roll as long as my shoes are good.

In NFL history, only 4 wide receivers have worn off-the-field signature shoes. Can you name them?

I never really followed. But I do know Calvin Johnson had one.

Are statement shoes your goal?

Maybe somewhere further. Whatever happens, will occur as I proceed to construct this relationship. If designer shoes are the direction that New Balance and I resolve to go, that will be great. It would definitely be an honor to have your individual signature shoe. But we’ll see what happens in the future.

You’ve often been called a “generational talent” and also you’re about to begin your NFL profession in a shoe called “Prodigy.” Is there any pressure to adopt these nicknames?

I feel my expectations for myself are equally high. I already put so much of pressure on myself to realize certain goals, a lot in order that I do not think any additional pressure will affect me. I don’t desire to do an excessive amount of, but I need to go on the market, work as hard as I can and provides my all.

Where would you prefer to see New Balance in the next few years as the face of the brand in football?

This opportunity means so much. I hope that my platform and this partnership will help me give back to the communities in Philadelphia, where I’m from, in Columbus, Ohio, where I went to Ohio State, and in any recent city I am going to when I’m called. I’m just able to encourage younger athletes to make it to the NFL in the future.

Have you considered how cool it can be to see kids finally wearing New Balance shoes because of you?

Definitely. Because I already know it can be great. After me, my younger brother (Jett Harrison), who’s 14, will probably be the first to wear New Balance cleats. He’ll have the same shoes as me, which can be really cool. It will even be cool to see how much the brand grows and hopefully takes over the soccer pitch.

Aaron Dodson is a sports and culture author at Andscape. He writes primarily about sneakers/apparel and hosts the Sneaker Box video series on the platform. During Michael Jordan’s two seasons with the Washington Wizards in the early 2000s, the Air Jordan 9 “Flint” shoes sparked his passion for kicking.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending