About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, a surprising update emerged, involving BJ Ojulari and a number disagreement. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had a deep connection with the number 18, having worn it during their respective collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers.
For Ojulari, the number 18 carried extraordinary significance. During his final season at LSU, the number was awarded to him, an honor conferred upon the best all-around player known for their character, academics, and leadership. His time donning the number was marked by achievements, including LSU's triumph in clinching the SEC Western Division title.
A Text from the Equipment Manager
The NFL journey led to an unexpected message for Ojulari from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer. The message signaled a looming conflict—both rookies wanted the number 18 jersey. Things quickly progressed to direct communication between the two players, with exchanges over text and phone aiming to resolve the matter.
According to Ojulari, “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number.” A dialogue initiated to find a middle ground, underlining the mutual respect and professionalism between the two burgeoning stars.
The Decision
Despite the significance of the number 18 to him, Ojulari chose to relinquish it. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” he said, emphasizing his team-first mentality. The determination sprang from a selfless outlook, magnifying his character and leadership traits well acknowledged during his LSU tenure. No monetary exchanges were involved in this decision.
Mutual Respect
Harrison Jr. echoed the respect and appreciation for Ojulari's gesture, emphasizing the importance of the number. “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.
Ojulari reciprocated the respect, acknowledging Harrison Jr.'s importance to the team's offensive dynamics. “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 shared.
A New Chapter with Number 9
With the number 18 chapter closed, Ojulari embraced his new jersey number, 9, stepping into the NFL with a fresh identity. The transition reinforced his adaptability and unwavering focus on team success. Reflecting on his rookie season, he remarked, “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 anecdote marks the beginning of an intriguing bond between Ojulari and Harrison Jr., transcending their collegiate and high school days when they faced off in 2019—Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. suiting up for St. Joseph's Prep. Now, they are teammates striving for shared glory with the Arizona Cardinals, united by respect and a common goal.
Through Ojulari's selflessness and Harrison Jr.'s gratitude, this episode exemplifies the essence of teamwork in professional sports. It’s not just about the numbers on their backs but the drive and dedication that fuel their journey forward.