Going closest, for AFL fans, would be Geelong ruckman Brad Ottens in season 2009.
A talented player, ultimately frustrated by injury all season, before defying the odds to star on the season's final day.
But not even Ottens' comeback five years ago rivals that of Harvin.
Not only is Harvin talented, he is worth a lot of dosh. The Seahawks signed him up on a $67million, six-year contract in the off-season, only to see the short-term return on their investment stand at just one regular-season match.
Granted, Harvin had just gone under the knife for a hip injury, and the franchise were patient with him.
He played one regular season game - against the Minnesota Vikings in November - but his hip problem flared again.
He played one post-season game - against the New Orleans Saints in January - but he got concussed after just three catches and one rushing attempt.
And then he played on Super Bowl Sunday - and helped win Seattle their maiden championship.
Coming into the biggest match in American sport, the man with just six possessions of the ball in his two matches was not expected to have an impact, especially early.
Come the end of the first quarter, Harvin had already gained 50 yards via two rushes and a catch. No sign of that dodgy hip, nor his concussion he picked up last time out.
And his next involvement would be telling.
Harvin was on the end of Denver's kick-off to open the second half, and 12 seconds later, he had an 87-yard touchdown to his name, and Seattle's celebrations - if they hadn't already with a 22-0 half-time lead - kicked off.
Ottens' efforts don't even parallel that from the AFL grand final, but missing the majority of a season to injury before returning for the finals series his team ended up coming out of with a premiership - that's a scenario that he and Harvin share.
Harvin is one lucky man. Three matches, a Super Bowl appearance, and one very sweet championship ring.
But the 25-year-old from Virginia certainly made his own luck, and then rode it, in a stunning Super Bowl cameo.
Percy Harvin Seattle Seahawks' answer to Brad Ottens
