The joint practice between the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals had a nostalgic feel. Reggie Wayne was on the field, Edgerrin James was signing autographs, and Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon praised the Colts’ ownership.
Marvin Harrison Jr., a 22-year-old rookie receiver for the Cardinals, returned to Indianapolis, the city where his father once played. “Yeah, it’s kind of crazy,” Harrison said with a smile similar to his father’s. “Just really special. So happy to be here.”
Unlike his famous father, Marvin Harrison Jr. kept a low profile during his early years. He attended games and occasionally practiced on the Colts’ field but stayed out of the spotlight. He even saw his father inducted into Indy’s Ring of Honor in 2011, hoping to follow in his footsteps.
The younger Harrison quickly made a name for himself. In college at Ohio State, he won numerous awards, including the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver and the Big Ten MVP Award.
Colts players are now facing off against Harrison and are impressed by his skills. “You’ve got to kind of understand what he’s looking for on certain routes,” Colts safety Julian Blackmon said. “But he’s got a lot of talent. That’s just fun for our DBs to go all out against him.”
One thing that has eluded Marvin Harrison Jr. in his path to becoming a star is playing at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts’ home field and the venue for the Big Ten football title game. He hopes to change that on Saturday when the Cardinals and Colts face off in their second preseason game.
Before that, there is another practice on Thursday at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said he will decide who plays in the game after the final practice with the Colts.
“We’re not going to pull back,” Gannon said. “We’ll evaluate who’s going to play after these two practices, but all 90 guys know they have to come to practice twice, take a day off, and then be ready to play.”
Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray will not play on Saturday. Gannon announced last week that Murray, who came back from a torn ACL midway through last season, will not participate in any preseason games.
It’s uncertain if Murray’s absence will affect Harrison’s playing time, but the No. 4 pick in April’s draft prefers not to take any snaps off, even in practice or the preseason, just like his father did.
“Definitely,” Harrison said when asked if playing on the same field as his father would be special to him. “Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to play there yet. I’ve been there before, but never played there.”
This will be Harrison’s third visit to Lucas Oil Stadium in 13 months.
