About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari received an unexpected message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer. That message highlighted a potential conflict over jersey numbers, a matter which needed swift resolution as both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had worn the number 18 during their collegiate careers—the former with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the latter with the LSU Tigers.
A Number with History
For BJ Ojulari, the number 18 was more than just a numeral on his back; it was a symbol of recognition and honor. During his final season at LSU, Ojulari was awarded the number 18, a highly coveted honor bestowed upon the best all-around player for their character, academics, and leadership traits. The significance of this number was underscored by LSU's accomplishment in winning the SEC Western Division title that year, with Ojulari standing out as a pivotal figure.
“It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” Ojulari reflected, emphasizing the personal value tied to the number.
A Shared History
The connection between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. ran deeper than their college years. In 2019, the two athletes faced off in high school, with Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. suiting up for St. Joseph's Prep. This shared history added another layer of complexity to their jersey number predicament.
“We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recounted, describing how he and Harrison Jr. initiated a dialogue over text and phone to address the situation.
Resolving the Conflict
In the end, Ojulari chose to relinquish the number 18 jersey for Harrison Jr. This decision stemmed from a sense of team camaraderie and forward-thinking for the Cardinals' success.
“It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari admitted. He elaborated on his reasoning, stating, “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.”
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.” For Harrison Jr., acquiring the number 18 came with an understanding of its significance, a responsibility he did not take lightly.
A New Chapter
Ojulari's willingness to accommodate his teammate without any monetary exchanges spoke volumes about his character. His new jersey number, 9, symbolized a fresh start while maintaining his leadership and dedication to the team's collective goals.
Reflecting on his journey, Ojulari shared, “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.”
As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, the story of these two young athletes sets a precedent of teamwork, respect, and mutual admiration. Such narratives shape the fabric of sportsmanship and underscore the values that extend beyond the game itself.