Marvin Harrison Jr. Continues to Serve the Most Delicious NIL Deals

It seems that Marvin Harrison Jr. has enjoyed his time in the food industry as he is venturing into the culinary world once again. Several months ago, the Ohio wide receiver spent time working the McDonald’s drive-thru window handing out hamburgers, fries, and drinks. There, he raised money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Now the 20-year-old is stepping up his game. Instead of working for a major fast-food chain, Harrison is collaborating with Grippos Chips to introduce new flavors for his fans.

Harrison gives ‘get your head in the game’ a whole new meaning

As part of the deal, Harrison will be featured on Grippos Hot Honey Bar-B-Q chips. The bags feature a photo of Harrison posing and wearing his No. 18 jersey. His signature flavor is only available at stores throughout the Ohio area.

The Cincinnati-based snack company is familiar with endorsing athletes. They are the official chip of the Cincinnati Reds and as such, and are featured in select locations at their Great American Ballpark. Aside from potato chips, the company also sells snacks such as pretzels and pork rinds.

Working hard to impress

With the deal being announced only a few days ago, many might be unaware of this partnership. They may be more familiar with the Buckeyes several other Name, Image, and Likeness deals instead. Harrison also has endorsement deals with Dr. Teal’s, Mark Wahlberg Auto Group, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new energy drink, ZOA Energy. 

Each of these deals (except the RMHC work) have been exceptionally active within the span of the last three weeks. He partnered with ZOA Energy on July 19 of this year and Dr. Teal’s just a day later. Two days after, on July 22, Harrison appeared at an event with several other Buckeyes for Mark Wahlberg’s dealership. Finally, his chip deal came to light on August 2, thanks to a Twitter post from Harrison, himself.

“Look for my very own Hot Honey BBQ Grippos Chips now in store throughout the Ohio Region!” the receiver captioned his post.

“I need some of these shipped to Phoenix ASAP. MY favorite chips with my fav college team. Let’s go. #grippos #OH,” said one user in the comments.

Another fan of Harrison wrote, “I’m in on the Grippos young Buck! Buy a bag with your pic and see how many years I can keep it sealed! Gotta buy 2 bags right off … cause one bag is going down!!!”

Proving his worth

According to On3, Harrison Jr. has a Name, Image, and Likeness valuation of over $1 million. This puts the receiver closer to the top of their list of the highest-paid college football players in terms of NIL.

In addition to this accomplishment, Harrison is entering the season as one of the highest-ranked receivers in the country. NBC4 says he has the potential to be a top-five draft pick. This is “something no Buckeye receiver has done before. The highest-drafted wideout to come through Columbus was Terry Glenn who went seventh overall in 1996.”

Hopefully, this chip deal will be just another feather in his cap. Who knows, fans might even see each other eating Grippos at tailgates and in the stands of games in the upcoming season.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.