About two weeks after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. found himself in a quandary over jersey numbers. The cause of this unexpected dilemma was BJ Ojulari, who had also claimed number 18 during his college career. Jeff Schwimmer, Arizona's equipment manager, brought the potential conflict to Ojulari's attention, setting the stage for a unique resolution.
A Number with Meaning
For BJ Ojulari, number 18 was more than just a digit on his jersey—it was a symbol of his prowess and leadership. During his collegiate tenure with the LSU Tigers, Ojulari was awarded number 18 in recognition of his character, academics, and leadership qualities. This honor, highly coveted at LSU, came during his final season, a campaign in which LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title. “It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” Ojulari reflected.
Harrison Jr. also had a strong attachment to number 18, having donned it during his impressive stint with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Navigating this shared connection to the number required careful diplomacy, which both players approached with maturity and respect.
The Early Connection
The history between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. stretches back further than their college days. In high school, the two had crossed paths on the football field—Ojulari representing Marietta High School, and Harrison Jr. playing for St. Joseph's Prep. This prior encounter added an extra layer of camaraderie to their dialogue.
Initiating contact via text and phone, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. discussed the possibility of both wanting to wear the number 18 jersey. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recalled. They quickly found common ground, marked by mutual respect and understanding.
Resolving the Conflict
Ultimately, it was Ojulari who decided to step back and let Harrison Jr. continue wearing number 18. No financial transaction was involved; it was simply a gesture rooted in team spirit and respect. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” confessed Ojulari, who recognized Harrison Jr.'s potential impact on the team. Harrison Jr. expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.”
Ojulari further elaborated on his decision: “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.” Such magnanimity underscores Ojulari’s commitment to the team and its success.
A New Chapter
With the number 18 jersey going to Harrison Jr., Ojulari chose a fresh start with number 9. Reflecting on his time with number 18, Ojulari said, “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 episode not only highlights the professionalism and sportsmanship of both players but also sets a positive tone for their future collaboration on the Arizona Cardinals. As they head into the new season, the respect and camaraderie they have shown each other will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s cohesion and performance on the field.