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. It was from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, detailing a potential conflict over jersey numbers. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had worn the number 18 during their respective collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers.
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. “It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” Ojulari noted. The number had a rich legacy, symbolizing excellence both on and off the field. LSU's tradition had always ensured that only those who epitomized these values would don the number. In fact, when Ojulari wore number 18, LSU won the SEC Western Division title, further solidifying its importance to him.
However, when Harrison Jr. was drafted, the situation called for a conversation. Both players initiated a dialogue over text and phone to discuss the number. Despite their shared history—having played against each other in high school in 2019 with Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. suiting up for St. Joseph's Prep—the talk was all about the here and now and the number that held such significance to both athletes.
Ojulari approached the topic with grace and pragmatism. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” he said. The discussion that followed was marked by mutual respect, and it quickly became clear what the resolution would be. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari admits. Harrison Jr. echoed these sentiments: “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 Ojulari, the decision to give up number 18 wasn’t driven by financial incentives. No money exchanged hands in the process. Rather, Ojulari's willingness to surrender the jersey stemmed from his understanding of team dynamics and the larger picture. “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,” explained Ojulari.
To determine his new jersey number, Ojulari checked with Schwimmer to explore the available options. Eventually, he found solace in the number 9, a new chapter in his professional career now symbolized by a different number. Still, Ojulari holds his time with number 18 in high regard. “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,” he reflected.
This episode underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect often found in professional sports, where individual legacies and team success are delicately balanced. As Cardinals fans look forward to the upcoming season, they can rest assured knowing that both Ojulari and Harrison Jr. are united not just by the threads of a jersey, but by their shared commitment to the team’s success.