About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, a jersey number conflict emerged between two of the team's newest talents. BJ Ojulari, recently drafted by the Cardinals, received a surprising message from the team's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had worn the number 18 during their collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers.
The Significance of Number 18
For BJ Ojulari, the number 18 held a deep significance. During his final season at LSU, he was awarded the number 18, an esteemed honor that symbolizes the best all-around player, recognized not just for athletic prowess but for character, academics, and leadership. With Ojulari wearing number 18, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title. “It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” Ojulari reflected on the honor.
The crossroads for these two young athletes intensified when Harrison Jr. expressed his desire to continue donning number 18 in the NFL, mirroring his collegiate identity. The two players, who had faced off back in 2019 during their high school careers—Ojulari for Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. for St. Joseph's Prep—found themselves negotiating over shared ground once again.
A Conversation Between Peers
Initiating a dialogue over text and phone, both Ojulari and Harrison Jr. discussed the predicament. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recalled about their conversation. Despite the sentimental value attached to the number, Ojulari showed a commendable spirit of team unity and camaraderie.
“It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari noted, emphasizing his willingness to put the team first. His decision was emblematic of his leadership qualities and selflessness—traits that earned him the revered jersey number during his tenure at LSU. Instead of any transactional give-and-take, Ojulari's gesture was purely out of respect and support for his new teammate. “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 elaborated.
Gratitude and Respect
Marvin Harrison Jr., in turn, expressed immense gratitude towards Ojulari for allowing him to retain number 18. “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. remarked, acknowledge the significance it held for Ojulari.
Following the resolution, BJ Ojulari chose a new number to represent on the field—number 9. Adjusting to this new number signifies a new chapter in his professional journey. While reflecting on his time with number 18, Ojulari mentioned, “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.” This sentiment encapsulates the reverence with which he viewed his original jersey number and the maturity with which he approached the situation.
As the Arizona Cardinals welcome their fresh draftees, the jersey number saga serves as a prelude to the teamwork and mutual respect that will define their season. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari have showcased their character even before stepping onto the NFL field, setting a sterling example for their peers and fans alike.