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

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.

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.

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.