Marvin Harrison Jr. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
An old college beef has been offered as the reason new NFL wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has so far refused to sign the preliminary NFLPA licensing agreement most rookies sign.

The former Ohio State wideout was the fourth overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft, with the Arizona Cardinals making him their first-round pick. But he’s yet to put men to paper on said agreement, leading to speculation that something is going on between Harrison and the NFLPA.

Pat McAfee discussed this on Wednesday’s episode of ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ revealing that the league’s merchandising partner, Fanatics, is responsible for the holdup.

McAfee cited sources who told him that the player received an offer from the company while he was a sophomore in college that would have locked him in for four years. It’s safe to assume that it would have cost him money in the NFL, as he would be way more valuable in the pros.

“We’ve heard from sources within the Marvin Harrison Jr. and Marvin Harrison Sr. camp. This is not about the NFLPA. Marvin Harrison Jr. will be a part of the NFLPA when the time comes,” McAfee said.

“What I’ve been told is this is not an NFLPA thing. This revolves around a deal that’s allegedly being pitched to sophomores in college who have a name by a company named Fanatics. 

“I guess there was an offer made to Marvin Harrison Jr. whenever he was a sophomore in college, which has happened to a lot of guys, where if you sign an autograph deal, it’s for four years. Marvin Harrison, who doesn’t need the money, said we’re not taking that deal. So allegedly what’s happening behind the scenes is beef between Fanatics and the Marvin Harrison camp.” 

Marvin Harrison Jr. Jerseys Will Not Go On Sale Unless He Signs The NFLPA Licensing Agreement

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s rookie jersey will not be available for sale until he signs the agreement, and the wide receiver won’t feature in any video games without signing it.

One of the parties will have to give in at some point. But, as McAfee notes, the player’s stance will likely prove to be a turning point for college players.