The 2024 season marked Kyler Murray’s full-time return to the field for the Arizona Cardinals, something fans hadn’t seen since 2020. It was also the rookie year for Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most hyped prospects to come out of college in recent years. While his debut season wasn’t perfect, he flashed plenty of potential.
As the team prepares for the 2025 season, Harrison has been bulking up and recently appeared in a photo shoot looking noticeably bigger than he did during his rookie year. The transformation sparked a wave of reactions across the media, including from his quarterback, who seemed very pleased with what he saw.
Kyler Murray Impressed By Marvin Harrison’s Bulk
Coming out of college, Harrison was widely considered the top wide receiver in the draft and, for many, the best overall player in the 2024 class. That reputation earned him the No. 4 overall pick and the chance to play alongside a dynamic quarterback in need of a target like him to help revive his career.
In his rookie season, the Ohio State standout put up 885 yards and eight touchdowns, playing in all 17 games. While those numbers were solid, Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, and Brian Thomas Jr. outshined him statistically, slightly overshadowing Harrison’s performance in Arizona.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is JACKED 😳🤯
MHJ been living in the weight room this summer 💪
(via @AZCardinals) pic.twitter.com/SCarQYSLqA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 9, 2025
So heading into 2025, Harrison spent his offseason hitting the weight room, and the transformation is striking. He clearly looks bigger and more physical, potentially shifting his playing style to take full advantage of his new build.
The reactions were nearly unanimous. Everyone was blown away by the change, including Murray. When asked about his receiver’s new physique, the quarterback responded with a joke that summed up what just about everyone thought the moment they saw the viral photo.
What did Cardinals QB Kyler Murray think about WR Marvin Harrison Jr.’s noticeable transformation this offseason?
“I thought it was AI.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/nIjsZmVxBq
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 10, 2025
“I thought I was AI,” Murray said, with a smile on his face. “I thought that picture was fake. No, Marv has been in there every single day since the season ended. So it doesn’t surprise me. He loves the game. I mean, the issue might be getting too damn big.”
Chemistry between a receiver and quarterback is crucial for any offense, and the Cardinals need their offense to lead the way. Beyond the star duo, the unit includes other talented players like Trey McBride, James Conner, and Michael Wilson. In 2024, Arizona finished fifth in the PFSN Offense+ metric, but there’s still plenty of room to grow.
Heading into 2025, the Cardinals are projected to win just seven games, with PFSN placing them third in the division. To flip that narrative, Murray and Harrison will need to step up from last season’s production, and the defense must deliver more consistent performances. But if it’s up to Harrison, he’s ready to do everything within his power to change the outcome.