The Arizona Cardinals believe they have a real shot to compete in 2025. They had a solid effort in 2024 but still came up short of a winning record. With young stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. looking ready to break out, the future is starting to look bright in the desert.
Harrison got a taste of NFL action during the 2024 season. Now, he’s looking to take that next step and become one of the league’s top wideouts. And judging by his offseason work, he’s serious about making that happen as soon as this year.
Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. Talks Physical Transformation
The Arizona pass catcher recently went viral after fans noticed a change in his build. His improved physique drew plenty of attention online. Harrison acknowledged the effort he’s put in and opened up about what helped him get there.
“It happened naturally, honestly. In college, I didn’t eat as much, probably. Then I started eating a little more and I have more free time I guess. Obviously, I’m eating all the right things, some extra protein for sure,” the Ohio State product said, via PHNX Cardinals.
"I'm eating all the right things…some extra protein for sure."
Marvin Harrison Jr. got them offseason GAINS💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/bC5yZ2w9FH
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals)
Harrison definitely looks stronger than he did as a rookie, but he said the changes aren’t affecting how he feels. Despite the new muscle, he doesn’t think much has changed internally.
“I feel the same, honestly,” Harrison said, via ArizonaSports.com’s Damon Allred. “You don’t want to put on too much weight and then your body may not be used to it … but I feel exactly the same as I did before.”
He’s working to improve every part of his game, not just physically. One focus this offseason has been building more chemistry with starting quarterback Kyler Murray.
“Obviously, right now everything’s on air, so getting the timing down, being precise in everything that we do,” Harrison said Monday, via Allred. “I feel like we should be able to go out there with our eyes closed and be able to complete 100% of our passes.”
But Harrison isn’t just thinking about personal growth. His goal is to help the entire team take a leap in 2025. He says all the pieces are in place, and the next step is execution.
“I think we got to make the playoffs,” the receiver said, via Allred.
“We have all the pieces we need. We just got to go out there and execute at this point, and that’s why they brought me here, to help this team win games. So improvement for me looks like winning more games than we won last year [eight]. … I want to get a home playoff game for Arizona.”
The Cardinals haven’t hosted a playoff game in nearly a decade. Since then, they’ve made just two postseason appearances. Harrison’s hoping that changes this season, and that he can help bring playoff football back to the desert.