The Arizona Cardinals have a storied history of elite wide receivers, from Larry Fitzgerald to DeAndre Hopkins, and now second-year player Marvin Harrison Jr. is poised to carry the torch. At the First Annual Kyler Murray Foundation Celebrity Softball Game on May 17, 2025, in Glendale, Fitzgerald, a Cardinals legend, extended a heartfelt offer to Harrison Jr., showing the kind of class that defined his 17-year career. “If he ever needs anything, I told him, I’m always available for him any way I can be helpful,” Fitzgerald told Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic, though he humorously noted Harrison Jr.’s advantage of having his father, Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., as a mentor.
Fitzgerald, who retired in 2020 with 1,432 receptions, 17,492 yards, and 121 touchdowns—all Cardinals records—has a history of supporting the team’s current stars, previously calling Kyler Murray a franchise quarterback in 2023. While he and Harrison Jr. have spoken only “five or six times” over the past year, Fitzgerald’s gesture could pave the way for a mentorship that helps the young receiver elevate his game. Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a solid rookie season with 62 catches, 885 yards, and 8 touchdowns, but Cardinals fans are expecting a breakout in 2025.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes is among those predicting big things for Harrison Jr., citing his potential after a strong finish to his rookie year. “Still a believer,” Kimes said on her podcast in early May. “The completeness of the route tree, the ability to win quickly at the line of scrimmage, contested catch ability… I think he’s going to attack this offseason really aggressively.” Her confidence aligns with Harrison Jr.’s reputation as a hard worker and competitor, traits that could lead to a significant leap in his sophomore season, especially with Fitzgerald’s support in the background.
Harrison Jr. will be a focal point of an offense looking to rebound after a 8-9 season. With Murray throwing to him and new additions like first-round cornerback Will Johnson bolstering the defense, there’s optimism in Arizona. Fitzgerald’s kind words might just be the spark Harrison Jr. needs to take his game to the next level, and if Kimes’ prediction holds, Cardinals fans could be in for a treat this fall as their young star aims to join the franchise’s legendary lineage of receivers.
