About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari found himself in the middle of an unexpected jersey number conflict. Harrison Jr., a standout from Ohio State, and Ojulari, who excelled at LSU, both wore the number 18 during their collegiate careers.
For Ojulari, the number 18 carries significant weight and history. During his final season at LSU, he was honored with the number 18 jersey, an award given to the player epitomizing character, academic excellence, and leadership. Under his leadership, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title, adding further prestige to the number.
Jeff Schwimmer, Arizona's equipment manager, initially brought the conflict to light. Following his message, Ojulari and Harrison Jr., who had faced off back in 2019 during their high school football days, engaged in discussions to resolve the issue. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recalled.
A Humble Decision
The conversations between the two were amicable and solution-oriented. Ultimately, Ojulari decided to relinquish the number 18 jersey to Harrison Jr. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari stated, reflecting on the ease with which he made up his mind. Emphasizing the team’s success over personal accolades, he remarked, “The team comes first and whatever I can do to make us more successful, I’ll do.”
Harrison Jr. expressed gratitude for 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,” he shared. Harrison Jr.'s appreciation underscores the mutual respect between the two young talents, each recognizing the significance the number holds for their counterpart.
A New Chapter for Ojulari
With Harrison Jr. now donning number 18 for the Cardinals, Ojulari embraced a new chapter by choosing the number 9—another number with its own history and significance. Reflecting on his rookie year and the value of the number 18, Ojulari said, “It was such a blessing to have number 18, wearing number 18 my first year. I’m always gonna cherish that rookie jersey.”
Notably, both players exhibited a mature and team-first mentality, serving as a laudable example of sportsmanship and camaraderie. In an era where professional athletes often face scrutiny for their off-field decisions, the resolution of this number dispute without any monetary exchange further elevates their actions.
Looking Forward to the NFL Season
As the NFL season approaches, the Arizona Cardinals can look forward to harnessing the combined talents and leadership qualities of Harrison Jr. and Ojulari. Harrison Jr., who has already shown immense potential, will undoubtedly be an offensive asset, while Ojulari will continue to bring his defensive prowess and leadership to the field. With their unique skills and the mutual respect they've shown, both young players are set to make significant contributions to the team’s success.
In the end, this jersey number exchange showcases more than just a swap of numbers; it highlights the characteristics that make a team great—unity, sacrifice, and unselfishness. As Harrison Jr. and Ojulari take the field, fans and teammates alike can expect nothing short of excellence inspired by their shared respect and dedication.