Career Timeline of Marvin Harrison: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 17, 2025

How Marvin Harrison built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Marvin Harrison Sr. is a former American professional football wide receiver, renowned for his 13-year NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. Drafted in the first round of the 1996 NFL draft after playing college football for the Syracuse Orange, Harrison spent his entire professional career with the Colts. He is considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Named team captain and Big East Special Teams Player of the Year

In 1995, Marvin Harrison was named as a captain for the Syracuse University football team. Also in 1995, he was named the Big East Special Teams Player of the Year.

1996: NFL debut and rookie season

In 1996, Marvin Harrison made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished his rookie season with 64 receptions for 836 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. In the Wild Card Round, he had three receptions for 71 yards in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1996: Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts

In 1996, Marvin Harrison was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the NFL draft.

1996: Selected by the Colts in the NFL draft

In 1996, Marvin Harrison was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round, as the 19th overall pick, in the NFL draft.

1997: Second season with the Colts

In the 1997 season, Marvin Harrison recorded 73 receptions for 866 yards and six touchdowns with the Colts.

1998: Peyton Manning joins the Colts and Harrison misses games due to injury

In 1998, Peyton Manning joined the Colts. In that same year, Marvin Harrison missed the Colts' final four regular season games after going on Injured Reserve. For the season, Harrison had 59 receptions for 776 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.

1999: Breakout season

In 1999, Marvin Harrison had a breakout season, recording 115 receptions for 1,663 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors.

2000: League-leading performance and Pro Bowl selection

In the 2000 season, Marvin Harrison led the league with 102 receptions for 1,413 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. He was named to his second Pro Bowl.

2001: Continued success and Pro Bowl selection

In the 2001 season, Marvin Harrison had 109 receptions for 1,524 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. He was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

2002: Single-season receptions record and All-Pro honors

In 2002, Marvin Harrison broke Herman Moore's single-season receptions record with 143 catches. He finished the season with 1,722 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors.

2003: Continued success and Pro Bowl selection

In the 2003 season, Marvin Harrison recorded 94 receptions for 1,272 receiving yards and ten receiving touchdowns, earning his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

2004: Another successful season and Pro Bowl selection

In the 2004 season, Marvin Harrison recorded 86 receptions for 1,113 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns, leading to his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

2005: League-leading touchdowns and Pro Bowl selection

In 2005, Marvin Harrison had 82 receptions for 1,146 receiving yards and a league-leading 12 touchdowns, earning him his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl selection.