Players
Events
Wide Receiver

Percy Harvin

Draft 2009

Number

12

Birthdate

1988-05-28

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

2009

Player Bio

Percy Harvin is a former NFL wide receiver and return specialist known for his explosive speed, versatility, and ability to change the course of a game. Over the course of his career, Harvin was recognized for his playmaking ability, particularly as a receiver, kick returner, and his use in various offensive schemes. Though his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, it was also hampered by injuries and personal struggles.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Percy Lavon Harvin
Born: May 28, 1988
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

High School:

  • Harvin attended Landstown High School in Virginia Beach, where he was a standout athlete. His remarkable speed and playmaking ability in football helped him rise to national prominence early on. He was also a standout in track and field, excelling in the 100 meters and long jump.

College:

  • Harvin played college football at the University of Florida, where he was a key player for the Florida Gators.
  • He played for the Gators from 2006 to 2008 under coach Urban Meyer.
  • Harvin was known for his explosive style of play, both as a wide receiver and a running back, often used in creative ways to exploit defensive weaknesses.
  • He helped lead the Gators to two national championships during his tenure, in 2006 and 2008. Harvin was particularly impactful in the 2008 BCS National Championship game, contributing significantly to the victory over Oklahoma.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Percy Harvin was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 22nd overall pick in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)

  • Rookie Season:
    • Harvin made an immediate impact in his rookie season, finishing with 60 receptions for 790 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams as a kick returner, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors.
    • His dynamic skill set was evident, as he was used as a multi-purpose weapon in the Vikings’ offense. His versatility as a receiver, runner, and return man made him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL.
  • 2010 Season:
    • Harvin’s second season was somewhat limited by migraines and injuries, but he still produced, finishing with 71 receptions for 868 yards and 7 touchdowns.
    • His ability to take short passes and turn them into big plays made him a constant threat.

Seattle Seahawks (2013–2014)

  • Trade to Seattle:
    • In 2013, Harvin was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for multiple draft picks.
    • His time with the Seahawks was marred by injuries, as he missed a significant portion of the 2013 season due to a hip injury.
    • Despite his limited contributions, Harvin played a key role in the Seahawks’ victory in Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos. He scored a key kickoff return touchdown in the game, one of the pivotal moments in Seattle’s dominant performance.
  • 2014 Season:
    • Harvin’s time with Seattle was short-lived, as the Seahawks traded him to the New York Jets mid-season due to conflicts between Harvin and the team’s management. He played just one full season for Seattle, contributing mainly as a kick returner and occasional offensive weapon.

New York Jets (2014–2015)

  • After being traded to the New York Jets in 2014, Harvin played a limited role in the offense due to injuries and inconsistencies.
    • He showed flashes of his former brilliance, particularly in the 2014 season, when he caught 29 passes for 350 yards and 1 touchdown in just 8 games.

Buffalo Bills (2015)

  • Harvin played one season with the Buffalo Bills in 2015, where he struggled with injuries and missed several games.
    • He appeared in just 5 games that season and recorded 19 receptions for 218 yards and 1 touchdown.

Retirement

  • After the 2015 season, Harvin decided to step away from football. His career was marked by injuries, particularly to his hip and head, as well as his ongoing battle with migraines.
  • Although he was a highly talented player, Harvin’s struggles with injuries ultimately prevented him from achieving his full potential in the NFL.

Legacy

  • Versatility:
    • Harvin was known for his unique skill set as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. His speed and elusiveness allowed him to be a game-changer in multiple facets of the game.
    • His ability to line up in different spots and his playmaking ability in the open field made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL during his peak.
  • Impact on Special Teams:
    • One of Harvin’s most memorable plays came in the Super Bowl with the Seahawks, where he returned a kickoff for a touchdown, showcasing his game-breaking abilities as a return specialist.
    • His success in both offensive and special teams roles made him a unique player in NFL history.
  • What Could Have Been:
    • While Harvin showed flashes of being one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, his career was unfortunately hindered by injuries. Many fans and analysts believe Harvin could have been even more successful had he been able to stay healthy.

Summary

  • Position: Wide Receiver, Kick Returner
  • NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010), Seattle Seahawks (2013–2014), New York Jets (2014–2015), Buffalo Bills (2015)
  • Key Achievements:
    • NFL Rookie of the Year (2009)
    • Super Bowl XLVIII Champion with the Seattle Seahawks
    • One of the NFL’s most versatile offensive players during his peak

Percy Harvin’s career is a testament to his incredible talent and versatility, as well as the impact that injuries can have on a player’s trajectory. While his time in the NFL was relatively short, he left a mark as one of the most electrifying playmakers of his era.