About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was drafted fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals, a potential conflict emerged over jersey numbers. BJ Ojulari, another promising addition to the team, was unexpectedly contacted by Arizona’s equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, about the issue.
Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had both worn the coveted number 18 during their college careers—Harrison Jr. at Ohio State and Ojulari at LSU. For Ojulari, wearing number 18 was more than a matter of personal preference. During his final season at LSU, he was awarded the number 18 jersey, which is a prestigious honor given to the player who best exemplifies character, academics, and leadership. That season, LSU secured the SEC Western Division title, further adding to the significance of the number for Ojulari.
As the issue came to light, the two players, who had faced off in high school back in 2019, initiated a dialogue over text and phone to resolve the matter.
A Show of Leadership and Team Spirit
Despite his deep connection to the number, Ojulari ultimately decided to relinquish number 18 for Harrison Jr. According to Ojulari, the decision wasn't difficult. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” he stated. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number.”
In making this decision, Ojulari emphasized the importance of team unity and the role each player would have in the team's success. “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.”
During their conversations, Harrison Jr. expressed his gratitude for Ojulari's generous 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. remarked.
A New Beginning for Ojulari
In moving forward, Ojulari has chosen to wear the number 9 jersey. Reflecting on his time with the number 18, he expressed a sense of nostalgia but also optimism for the future. “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.
What stands out in this narrative is the mutual respect and sportsmanship displayed by both young athletes. Ojulari's willingness to part with a number that holds significant sentimental value and Harrison Jr.'s acknowledgment and appreciation of that gesture set a positive tone for their collaboration on the field.
As the Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, the selflessness and leadership exhibited by Ojulari bode well for the team's chemistry and overall performance. With young, talented players like Ojulari and Harrison Jr., the Cardinals can look forward to not just relying on their skills, but also their character and leadership qualities. While numbers on jerseys can hold personal significance, it’s the collective effort and camaraderie that ultimately drive a team to success.