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Pro Football Hall of Fame 2016: Wide receiver Marvin Harrison

By Russell S. Baxter

Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison on the sidelines as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 28 to 3 at Monster Park, San Francisco, California, October 9, 2005. (Photo by Robert B. Stanton/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison on the sidelines as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 28 to 3 at Monster Park, San Francisco, California, October 9, 2005. (Photo by Robert B. Stanton/NFLPhotoLibrary) /
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For the second consecutive year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will welcome eight new members. Here we take a look at Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

The first weekend in August is always a special time for football fans. Training camps are in full swing, the preseason kicks off this Sunday and there’s hope for all 32 NFL teams.

There is also this little event called the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony. It celebrates the accomplishments of the men who have made this a great game, be it as a player, coach or administrator.

Related Story: Pro Football Hall of Fame 2016: Coach Tony Dungy

For the second straight year, there are eight legends in the class. The proud city of Canton, Ohio welcomes owner Edward DeBartolo, Jr., coach Tony Dungy, quarterback Brett Favre, linebacker/defensive end Kevin Greene, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, tackle Orlando Pace, quarterback Ken Stabler and guard Dick Stanfel.

We will take a look at the magnificent careers of each of these men as each receives the ultimate honor when it comes to their place in football history.

INDIANAPOLIS – DECEMBER 28: Marvin Harrison
INDIANAPOLIS – DECEMBER 28: Marvin Harrison /

We have already delved into the careers of DeBartolo, Dungy, Favre and Greene. Now it’s time to look back at the consistent and productive Marvin Harrison, the third-leading pass-catcher in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (1,549) and fabled tight end Tony Gonzalez (1,325) have more grabs than the former Syracuse star (1,102) and first-round draft choice in 2016.

Harrison’s 14,580 receiving yards ranks seventh in NFL annals while only Rice (197), Randy Moss (156), Terrell Owens (153) and Hall of Famer Cris Carter (130) who totaled more receiving touchdowns (128) than the productive 13-year pro. And having quite the quarterback to throw to him in Indianapolis certainly didn’t hurt, although take absolutely nothing away from the talented wideout.

“He and I just had a good feel for one another. We saw things the same way,” said former teammate and recently-retired Peyton Manning to the Associated Press (via the Boston Herald). “Marvin could visualize a defense when we were talking on the sideline. He could see it in his head the way I saw it. We didn’t have to write things on a board.”

INDIANAPOLIS – NOVEMBER 16: Payton Manning
INDIANAPOLIS – NOVEMBER 16: Payton Manning /

The pictures speak for themselves when it comes to the amazing hands and footwork by Harrison. And his NFL record of 143 receptions in 2002 still stands, despite amazing efforts in 2015 by Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown – who tied for the league lead with 136 grabs.

When you talk about a streak of productivity, few can match what Harrison did over an eight-year span from 1999-2006 (with Manning throwing the ball). In each of those seasons, the eight-time Pro Bowler totaled at least 80 receptions for 1,100-plus yards and 10 scores.

More nfl spin zone: Pro Football Hall of Fame 2016: Quarterback Brett Favre

Call him The Quiet Man.

“He never talked much, but he taught you how to be a pro,” said long-time Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis. “Every day he went 100 mph, and every day he practiced at the same level, and you just followed his example.”

Talk about a gauge of greatness. And how much fun was it to watch Harrison do this thing?

Additional bio link courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame website

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