About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari received an unexpected message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, detailing a potential conflict over jersey numbers. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had worn the number 18 during their respective collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers.
For Ojulari, the number 18 carried special significance. During his final season at LSU, he was awarded the number, a highly coveted honor bestowed upon the best all-around player for their character, academics, and leadership traits. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me,” said Ojulari, reflecting on the accolade. His tenure wearing the number was marked by success, as LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title during that season.
The connection between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. stretches back to their high school days. In 2019, they faced off on the field, with Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. suiting up for St. Joseph's Prep. Now teammates in the NFL, they found themselves in a unique situation, needing to negotiate over who would wear the treasured number 18.
The dialogue began over text and phone calls. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recounted. Despite his deep attachment to the number, Ojulari made the decision to give it up for the benefit of his new teammate. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” he stated. It wasn't about compensation or personal gain; no money exchanged hands in the process. Instead, it was a gesture of camaraderie and team spirit.
Marvin Harrison Jr., in turn, expressed his gratitude for Ojulari's decision. “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. said, acknowledging the significance of the gesture. Harrison Jr. is set to play a key role in the Cardinal’s offensive lineup, and Ojulari saw this as an opportunity to strengthen the team’s dynamic by prioritizing collective success over individual preference.
“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 emphasized. His new jersey number 9 now represents his fresh start in the NFL and his readiness to contribute to his new team in whatever ways he can.
The transition from college to the professional league often comes with its share of challenges, but for Ojulari and Harrison Jr., it has also presented a chance to build camaraderie right from the start. Ojulari’s willingness to give up his coveted number demonstrates the selflessness and team-first mentality that coaches and teammates alike look for in a player.
Reflecting on his experience, Ojulari added, “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 sentiment underscores the personal significance Ojulari attached to the number, making his gesture even more remarkable.
As the Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, the dynamics between new teammates like Ojulari and Harrison Jr. will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s cohesion and performance. Ojulari’s act of generosity sets a positive tone for the kind of culture Arizona is building—one rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the team’s success.