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 shedding light on a potential dilemma involving jersey numbers. The message came from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, pointing out a conflict over jersey number 18, a number both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari treasured from their collegiate careers.
During their time in college, Harrison Jr. donned the number 18 playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, while Ojulari sported the same number for the LSU Tigers. The number 18 held significant value for Ojulari, as it was awarded to him in his final season at LSU—a prestigious honor recognizing the best all-around player for character, academics, and leadership.
The importance attached to this number by Ojulari cannot be overstated. Recalling his time at LSU, Ojulari said, “It meant everything to me. It was really important to me.” It was under his leadership wearing number 18 that LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title, further fueling his emotional attachment to the jersey.
High School Rivals Turn Teammates
Interestingly, this is not the first time Ojulari and Harrison Jr. have crossed paths. The two athletes faced each other back in high school in 2019, with Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. playing for St. Joseph’s Prep. Fast forward to their professional careers, and both are now teammates on the Cardinals, posing a unique twist in their athletic journey.
As professionals, the two initiated dialogue via text and phone calls to resolve the jersey number conflict, showcasing mutual respect and camaraderie. Reflecting on their discussions, Ojulari noted, “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number.”
An Unselfish Gesture
Rather than making it a contentious issue, Ojulari opted for a pragmatic and selfless approach. He willingly decided to relinquish the number 18 jersey to Harrison Jr., empathizing with his teammate’s attachment to the number. Emphasizing the ease of his decision, Ojulari stated, “It wasn’t a hard decision.”
Harrison Jr. expressed his gratitude, appreciating the significance of the 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,” Harrison Jr. said, acknowledging the sentiment tied to the number for Ojulari.
In a field where jersey numbers can often hold symbolic value, Ojulari's willingness to prioritize the team over personal preference speaks volumes of 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 added, reflecting his team-first mentality.
New Beginnings with Number 9
With the jersey number issue resolved amicably, Ojulari has embraced a new beginning, taking on the number 9 jersey. His positive outlook and understanding underline his maturity and dedication to the team’s success. “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 said, expressing his heartfelt connection to his previous number while looking forward to making new memories with number 9.
This episode not only highlights the personal bonds and mutual respect between teammates but also underscores the underlying sportsmanship that defines professional sports. Ojulari’s actions and words reflect a deeper commitment to team unity and harmony, setting a tone of collaboration and selflessness for the Cardinals as they prepare for the upcoming season.
No monetary transactions were involved in Ojulari’s decision to give up number 18, making the gesture even more commendable. It’s a narrative of sportsmanship and respect, laying a solid foundation for teamwork and success on the field.