The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL season with hopes of building on their progress. Instead, the campaign spiraled into a story of injuries, setbacks, and significant organizational change. The journey of star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. became a stark symbol of the team's frustrating year.
A Season Derailed by Health Struggles
For Marvin Harrison Jr., the season was a constant fight to get his body right amidst constant instability. He missed a total of five games and could never find a consistent rhythm on the field. Just as he seemed poised to break out, another obstacle would emerge. His challenges went far beyond just missing games; they involved a grueling behind-the-scenes battle for physical recovery.
In a candid interview shared by PHNX Cardinals' Bo Brack on X, Harrison Jr. opened up about the severe toll on his health. He stated, "I lost majority of the weight that I had, but kind of back to square one a little bit, and then never got chance to recover." When pressed on the amount, he revealed the significant figure: "Like 10 pounds."
The Cascade of Injuries and Setbacks
This substantial weight loss followed an appendicitis surgery on November 10, 2025, performed shortly after a game against the Seattle Seahawks. The procedure forced him to miss two games. For an NFL receiver, losing 10 pounds critically impacts strength and durability.
A brief glimmer of hope appeared in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers upon his return. Harrison Jr. gained 69 yards before a heel injury abruptly ended his comeback, leading to another two-game absence. A final attempt to play in Week 17 was cut short by the same heel issue, ending his season prematurely. The relentless cycle of injuries robbed him of any meaningful recovery time.
His final season statistics—41 receptions for 608 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games—stood in sharp contrast to his durable and productive rookie year in 2024, where he played all 17 games.
Organizational Overhaul on Black Monday
While Harrison Jr. fought his personal battles, the Cardinals' dismal 3-14 record triggered major changes at the top. On Black Monday, the franchise fired head coach Jonathan Gannon after just three seasons.
Team owner Michael Bidwill explained the difficult decision, saying, "(Gannon) made us better, but this is a league about wins and losses. The wins and losses speak for themselves, especially this year. We felt we were going in the wrong direction, and we needed to change course." Gannon's tenure concluded with a 15-36 overall record.
Injuries were a defining theme for the entire roster, with more than 30 players landing on injured reserve at some point during the season. Looking ahead, the Cardinals now hold the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and have embarked on a search for a new head coach.
For Marvin Harrison Jr., the path forward is clear. The priority is to regain full health, rebuild his lost strength, and look toward a 2026 season that offers a fresh start for both the talented receiver and the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals franchise.
