WESTFIELD – As the attentive son of a future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Marvin Harrison Jr. often was along for an interesting ride.
He remembers being on hand for an Indianapolis Colts game against the Baltimore Ravens, and of course, their Super Bowl XLI win over the Chicago Bears. He also was at the RCA Dome Jan. 21, 2007 when the Colts won arguably the most significant game in their Indy era, a 38-34 win over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
There’s proof on the latter: Marvin Sr., in full uniform and wearing a championship hat, holding Marvin Jr. in his arms.
Virtually anytime dad returned to town for an event – Ring of Honor, Super Bowl anniversary, etc. – his son was at his side.
Not surprisingly, Marvin Jr. accumulated a ton of Colts gear through the years.
“A lot,’’ he said Wednesday prior to his Arizona Cardinals’ joint work with the Colts at Grand Park Sports Campus.
“But I grew out of it. All of it.’’
While the gear might be stuffed in a closet, more important remnants endured and followed Marvin Jr.’s path from All-America wideout at Ohio State to No. 4 overall pick in the April NFL draft to, well, potential pro stardom.
Edgerrin James was there in the mid-2000s as the Harrisons shared the Colts’ successes. He’s the club’s career rushing leader – Harrison holds virtually every receiving record – and each has a bronze bust in Canton, Ohio.
James and Marvin Sr. were at Grand Park Wednesday. Close family friend and prideful dad.
“Man, it’s crazy,’’ James said. “They took Marv Jr. with the fourth pick and I was the fourth pick (in 1999). We used to be on the plane together. You look at this little kid that’s quiet, but he had the chance to just watch how it’s supposed to be done.
“Everything you hear that he’s been doing is exactly like it’s supposed to be done. Quiet, but just works and always is looking for more work. That’s the thing you appreciate. When you get somebody like that, you only know one way, one speed and you go out and do what you’re supposed to do.
“That’s pretty cool.’’
The entire landscape was pretty cool.
James took time to chat with receivers coach Reggie Wayne as players were stretching; former teammates at The U and the Colts. He shared words with Marvin Jr. and with Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
As practice wound down, Marvin Sr. autographed mini-footballs and tossed them into the stands.
“I enjoy it,’’ James said of returning to Indy. “The organization is great. Anytime I get that phone call, I’ll be there.’’
It’s a shared appreciation. James and Harrison had owner Jim Irsay present them for Hall of Fame enshrinement. Ditto, Dwight Freeney earlier this month.
Now, though, the attention wasn’t necessarily on James, 46, and Marvin Sr., 51.
It was on Marvin Jr., and soon, Jizzle James.
First Marvin Jr.
“It’s kind of crazy,’’ he said. “The first joint practice against the Colts. Who would’ve thought that?’’
He’s been at Lucas Oil Stadium previously and seen his dad’s name in the Ring of Honor, but might step on the field for the first time in Saturday’s preseason game. That’s to be determined.
Marvin Jr.’s overriding career objective is to be his own man, not simply the son of a Hall of Famer.
“I always thought I’d be here,’’ he insisted. “I definitely had to make my own path. I made it to this point. I made my own path.
“I just want to work hard and see where it takes me.’’
As for Jizzle James? He’s a sophomore guard at Cincinnati and dad has visions of so much more.
Last season, the 6-1 James averaged 8.6 points per game and became the first Bearcat freshman to score at least 20 points in consecutive games since 1993-94. He cracked double figures in 16 of 37 games, with a high of 25 against San Francisco in the NIT followed by 21 at Indiana State.
James’ advice to Bearcat fans? Enjoy Jizzle while you can.
“Jizzle’s going to go first round this year,’’ he said of the NBA draft. “He’s going to have a great year and he’s going to go in the draft.
“Then it’ll be like, ‘Whew, all that work (was worth it).’’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.
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