Marvin Harrison

Colts legend and Hall of Fame wide receiver

Marvin Darnell Harrison Sr. (born August 25, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played his entire 13-year career for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Syracuse Orange and was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 1996 NFL draft.

Quick Facts

Position: Wide receiver
Born: 25 August 1972
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
High school: Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)
College: Syracuse (1992–1995)
Draft year: 1996
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 19

Lore & Background

Harrison earned a Super Bowl ring with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI where they beat the Chicago Bears. An eight-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro member, he held the record for most receptions in a single season (143) until it was broken by Michael Thomas (149) in 2019. Harrison was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2026, and is widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

Reader's Guide

Harrison attended Syracuse University; he was a three-year starter for the football team, playing with quarterback Donovan McNabb in his final year. He was named as a captain for the 1995 season. In a game against West Virginia in the 1995 season, he had a 96-yard touchdown reception from Donovan McNabb. He was the Big East Special Teams Player of the Year in 1995.

In the 1996 Gator Bowl, he had seven catches for 173 yards in a 41–0 win over Clemson. Harrison's 1,131 yards were a school record for a single season until Amba Etta-Tawo broke it in 2016. Harrison set a school record with 2,718 career receiving yards, which stood until 2017 when it was broken by Steve Ishmael in the final game of his career. Harrison also returned 42 punts for 542 yards and two touchdowns and ranked second to Rob Moore in school history with 20 receiving touchdowns. He was named All-Big East in 1993, 1994, and 1995. Harrison graduated with a degree in retail management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did his professional career begin?

He entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 1996 after setting numerous records at Syracuse University. His selection involved a trade that sent Jeff George to another franchise, marking the start of his legendary tenure in Indianapolis.

What are his major career achievements?

Harrison won Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears and held the single-season receptions record with 143 catches until it was broken by Michael Thomas in 2018. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors while playing exclusively for one franchise from 1996 to 2008.

Why is he considered a Colts legend?

His consistency and chemistry with Manning defined an era of football, leading to his eventual Hall of Fame induction in 2016. Fans remember him as the definitive wide receiver for the Colts who never played for another team during his professional career.