About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari faced an unexpected dilemma. A message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, revealed a potential conflict over jersey numbers. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had donned the number 18 during their distinguished collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. at Ohio State and Ojulari at LSU.
For Ojulari, the number 18 was particularly significant. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari reflected. His final season at LSU saw him being awarded the number, a symbol of honor given to the player who excels in character, academics, and leadership. Under his leadership wearing number 18, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title, underscoring his influence on the team and his embodiment of the qualities the number represents.
Interestingly, the history between the two players extended beyond their college days. Ojulari and Harrison Jr. had previously met on the high school gridiron in 2019, with Ojulari playing for Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. for St. Joseph's Prep. That early connection laid a foundation for the respectful dialogue they would soon have about the jersey number.
A Respectful Resolution
The dialogue between the two commenced with text and phone conversations, as they navigated the potential number clash. Ojulari, placing the team ahead of personal sentiment, made the gracious decision to relinquish the number 18 jersey to Harrison Jr. "It wasn’t a hard decision," Ojulari said, a sentiment that highlighted his team-first mentality. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number."
Harrison Jr. fully appreciated the significance of Ojulari's decision. "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." Such words reflect not just gratitude but an understanding of the deep-rooted tradition and respect associated with the number.
In an era where jersey numbers can sometimes be resolved through monetary transactions, their resolution stood out for its simplicity and sportsmanship. "No money exchanged hands in the process of Ojulari giving up the number 18 jersey," a fact that underscores the genuine nature of their agreement.
New Beginnings
With Harrison Jr. set to wear number 18, Ojulari has turned to number 9 for his new chapter with the Cardinals. His willingness to give up a cherished number for a teammate is a testament to his character. "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," Ojulari stated. This encapsulates his outlook and dedication to the team’s success.
Reflecting on his time wearing number 18, Ojulari remarked, "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." His words capture the nostalgic value tied to his rookie season while signifying a forward-looking approach to his NFL career.
The transition of jersey numbers between two up-and-coming NFL stars exemplifies sportsmanship, respect, and unity. As they both embark on their professional journeys with the Cardinals, their early act of mutual respect sets a positive tone for their future endeavors on and off the field.