About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari found himself navigating an unexpected situation. Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, reached out to Ojulari regarding a potential conflict over jersey numbers that created a unique crossroads for two young players with a shared history.
Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari wore the number 18 during their college careers. Harrison Jr. donned the number with pride for Ohio State Buckeyes, while for Ojulari, the number 18 at LSU represented much more than just a jersey. It was a symbol of his role as the best all-around player, recognized for character, academics, and leadership traits. Under his leadership wearing number 18, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title, cementing his legacy at the school.
A High School Reunion of Sorts
Interestingly, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. were no strangers to each other, having met on the field in high school during a 2019 matchup. Ojulari represented Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. suited up for St. Joseph's Prep. Their early rivalry added an extra layer of familiarity when the number conflict arose.
Resolving the Conflict
Rather than letting the situation escalate, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. initiated a respectful dialogue over text and phone calls to discuss the jersey number. Their conversations highlighted the mutual respect and understanding between the two players.
Ojulari, who deeply cherished his LSU number 18 jersey, decided to step aside and allow Harrison Jr. to carry on with the number in Arizona. “It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” Ojulari shared, reflecting on the number's significance. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the decision, ultimately, was not difficult. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari stated, underscoring his team-first mentality. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number.”
Respect and Gratitude
Harrison Jr. expressed heartfelt gratitude for Ojulari's gesture, acknowledging the immense value number 18 held for him. “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,” said Harrison Jr., showing his understanding and appreciation for the meaningful concession Ojulari made.
Ojulari's leadership and character were evident in his reasoning. “He’s a great guy,” Ojulari remarked about Harrison Jr. “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.”
A New Chapter with Number 9
With the jersey number conundrum resolved, Ojulari has adopted a new number—9. This transition, however, does not diminish the pride and memories associated with his previous number. “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 stated, encapsulating his journey.
The narrative of Ojulari and Harrison Jr. serves as an inspiring example of sportsmanship and camaraderie. As both players embark on their professional careers with the Arizona Cardinals, their history and mutual respect lay a strong foundation for their future contributions to the team.