Will Johnson, Marvin Harrison Jr. spoke Cardinals pairing into existence

TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals and their rookies speaking things into existence go hand in hand.

Back in 2023, that was on display when newly drafted Paris Johnson Jr. told then-Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. that he would be the next Cardinals first-rounder.

A year later, the thought became a fact.

Now in 2025, there’s a bit of deja vu going on in Tempe, with Harrison and Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson now holding the crystal ball.

“It’s cool because when I was training in Arizona, me and him went golfing together and we were talking about this moment happening,” Johnson said after being drafted in the second round on Friday. “It’s cool that it actually happened and we get to compete against each other every day and build that relationship.

“He was saying they need a defensive guy and I had been out there in Arizona,” Johnson added. “I was saying I’d love to be there, so I mean it happened the way it was supposed to be.”

Will Johnson and Marvin Harrison Jr. over the years

While the two linked up in Arizona this offseason, Johnson and Harrison faced off against each other twice (2022, 2023) during their time at Michigan and Ohio State, respectively.

Harrison combined for 12 catches for 238 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the two matchups. Johnson, meanwhile, had 12 tackles and an interception.

They won’t get the opportunity to match up in a live NFL game, but you better believe the battles at practice are going to be something to watch.

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