About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, an unexpected issue emerged that drew attention off the field. BJ Ojulari, also a promising pick for the Cardinals, received a message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, revealing a potential conflict concerning jersey numbers.
Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had significant ties to the number 18 during their illustrious collegiate careers. Harrison Jr. made a name for himself wearing 18 with the Ohio State Buckeyes, while Ojulari had donned the same number at LSU. The number had a deeper meaning for Ojulari; it was awarded to him in his final season as a symbol of excellence, recognizing his character, academic achievement, and leadership qualities. Under his leadership, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title.
The two young athletes, who had already crossed paths competing against each other in high school—Ojulari for Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. for St. Joseph's Prep—were now teammates faced with a shared dilemma. How would they resolve the duplicated jersey number?
Communication was key. Ojulari and Harrison Jr. initiated a discussion over text and phone to work out the conflict. Despite the significance the number 18 held for both players, Ojulari chose to let Harrison Jr. keep the number. "It wasn't a hard decision," said Ojulari, demonstrating maturity and a team-first mentality. No financial compensation was involved in this decision.
Ojulari's new jersey number would be 9, but the decision's underlying sentiment extended beyond the numerical switch. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari expressed. The gesture illustrated that personal accolades took a back seat to team harmony and success. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," he added, describing the amicable conversation they had.
Harrison Jr. was deeply appreciative of Ojulari's 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. stated, acknowledging the sacrifice made by his new teammate. Such camaraderie, especially so early in their professional careers, bodes well for the Arizona Cardinals as they integrate their new talents into the roster.
Ojulari's decision speaks volumes about his character. "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 commented. His willingness to put the team's success ahead of individual recognition perfectly encapsulates the spirit of sportsmanship.
The number 18 jersey at LSU will always hold a special place in Ojulari’s heart. "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 sentiment echoes the deep respect he has for his past and the pride he originally felt being selected to wear such a significant number.
As Ojulari transitions to wearing number 9 for the Cardinals, it’s clear that his legacy with number 18 will continue to inspire both him and those who follow his journey. Meanwhile, Harrison Jr., charged with the legacy of the number 18 in Arizona, will look to honor that history through his performances on the field. The mutual respect and collaboration between these two young players serve as a promising foundation for the team's future success.