It is a rarity for an athlete to find a place in my heart and stick there.  With the free agents coming and going, the ridiculous demands and hold outs, the trades, and the enormous contracts, I have a hard time allowing an athlete's performance to really affect me.  But, in this case, Marvin Harrison has done just that. 

Marvin hasn't been one of those guys that you see celebrating every play he makes or talking to the camera on the sideline.  No, he is usually the opposite, out of sight, out of mind.  As much as TO, Ocho Cinco, and Anquan Boldin are in front of the camera, Marvin Harrison stands behind it.

I've heard some people talk about Marvin being a "total dick" when they try to approach him in public and he turned them down for autograph requests.  Why does that make him a dick?  Because he wants to live his life in a way that he is most comfortable?  Just like you and I?  You don't say. 

I've met Marvin one time in my life and that was when I was 19 years old.  I was an assistant manager at a shoe store and one of the practice squad receivers came in for some shoes.  He liked the turf shoes that I hooked him up with, so he brought in a few more guys.  And then, they brought in a few guys, and pretty soon, in walked Marvin Harrison.  He didn't big time me and he didn't try to out cool me (because that isn't possible), he was just a guy in a shoe store trying to get some shoes.  I of course, was a wreck, because it was Marvin Harrison and even though he wasn't yet what he would be, he was still a superstar to me.  I never asked for his autograph, even though I wanted to, but I figured if I did, then he wouldn't come back in and then I couldn't have the bragging rights of being able to be that guy who was 88's hookup.  I never met him again, although, he made a few more appearances in the store I'm told, but I'll never forget that day that I did get to meet him and he was exactly what I expected from an athlete.

To this day, I am grateful that the Indianapolis Colts drafted Marvin Harrison and I am thrilled that he became the player that we were allowed to watch for the last 13 seasons.  He has made plays that seem impossible at times. 

Selfishly I hope that Marvin doesn't sign with another team, because that would be like watching Jordan in a Wizards uniform to me.  However, I know that he still has some left in the tank and he wants to get the most out of it, before filling up for his life after football.  Who knows, maybe the Colts will end up working something out with him to where he does take a pay cut and plays one or maybe even two more years in blue and white.

I just can't help but think right now.  Remember that one catch when....

That list could go on forever it seems.  Good luck Marvin, on whatever path you travel.  You have made this fan very proud and very sad to see you go.  You'll always be my favorite Marvin.