About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari received an unexpected message from the team's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer. The message detailed a potential conflict over jersey numbers between the two new teammates.
Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari donned the number 18 during their illustrious collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari for the LSU Tigers. For Ojulari, the number 18 held significant meaning. He was awarded this number during his final season at LSU, an honor symbolizing the best all-around player in terms of character, academics, and leadership. Under his leadership wearing number 18, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title.
A Significant Number
Ojulari’s attachment to the number 18 was profound. “It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” he reflected. The number 18 is more than just a jersey in LSU lore; it is a symbol of excellence and revered leadership. Despite this deep connection, Ojulari faced a dilemma when Harrison Jr. also expressed his desire to continue wearing the number in Arizona.
Past as Prologue
The two players share a history, having faced off against each other in high school back in 2019—Ojulari for Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. for St. Joseph's Prep. That familiarity and mutual respect paved the way for a constructive dialogue when the jersey number conflict arose.
“We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recalled of his conversation with Harrison Jr. They communicated through text and phone calls to resolve the issue amicably. In an admirable display of team spirit and camaraderie, Ojulari chose to give up the number 18 jersey to Harrison Jr. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari stated, highlighting his selfless team-first attitude.
Grace and Gratitude
Marvin Harrison Jr. expressed his gratitude for Ojulari’s gesture. “We had a great conversation. I can’t be more grateful and appreciative for him to allow me to get that number 18. I know it means a lot to him,” said Harrison Jr. “He’s a great guy. I feel like he deserves it. He’s gonna be instrumental for us in the offensive strike. So, it was a no-brainer. The team comes first and whatever I can do to make us more successful, I’ll do,” echoed Ojulari.
Importantly, this exchange was handled with pure sportsmanship, with no money changing hands. Ojulari’s willingness to make this concession without any transactional discussion speaks volumes about his character.
New Beginnings
Moving forward, Ojulari will wear the number 9 jersey, a fresh start in his NFL career. Meanwhile, he remains proud of his connection to the number 18. “It was such a blessing to have number 18, wearing number 18 my first year. I’m always gonna cherish that rookie jersey, just that number 18. So, it meant everything to me,” Ojulari emphasized.
This incident highlights the strength of character and leadership both players bring to the Arizona Cardinals. In a professional environment where ego can often overshadow team dynamics, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. have set a positive tone for collaboration and respect. The Cardinals' organization can look forward to a season not just defined by their on-field talents but equally by their off-field integrity and sportsmanship.