NFL Hall of Fame: The Case For Marvin Harrison

There are several candidates for this year’s induction class for the NFL Hall of Fame. None are more deserving than #88.

He spent all 13 seasons of his NFL career catching passes from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. As #18’s favorite target, Marvin Harrison set record after record in the RCA dome. Those two superstars, along with yet another who will likely retire this year, Reggie Wayne, are the main reason Lucas Oil Stadium now sits in downtown Indianapolis, and also the likely reason why you don’t have a team in Los Angeles with a Horseshoe on their helmet.

When Bill Polian drafted Peyton Manning first overall in 1998, he already had a pretty good target in an undersized receiver from Syracuse. Harrison had been selected 19th overall in 1996. Little did he know, two years later, he would form a 1-2 punch that would have a long list of NFL records to their credit.

Harrison currently holds 23 different NFL individual receiving records, including the single season reception record (143), and most receptions between quarterback and receiver (with Peyton Manning, 953). No other reciever in NFL history holds nearly that many league records.

Marvin Harrison, wide receiver (1996-2008): Teaming with Peyton Manning, Harrison posted eight consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons with 10 or more touchdowns. A six-time All-Pro, he shattered the record for receptions in a single season with 143 in 2002. He was a member of the Colts team that won Super Bowl XLI. ~ Colts.com

He spent all 13 season of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, and his leadership and dedication made him a fan favorite over the years. In a game where so many superstars come with baggage, Marvin was the utmost professional. His career culminated with a Lombardi trophy in 2007,  and Marvin retired after the following season.

Will Marvin get inducted into the Hall of Fame this year? That’s anyone’s guess. Does he deserve to be? No question. Anything less would be a travesty to the game.