About two weeks had passed since Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft when BJ Ojulari received an unexpected message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer. The message detailed a potential conflict over something that holds sentimental value to both players: jersey numbers.
Harrison Jr. and Ojulari share a unique connection in this regard, as both had donned the number 18 during their collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers. The number meant a great deal to each, symbolizing their achievements and recognition on their respective teams.
The Symbolism of Number 18
For BJ Ojulari, the number 18 carried a particular heft. During his final season at LSU, he was awarded the jersey number, a prestigious honor bestowed upon the best all-around player recognized for their character, academics, and leadership traits. That same season, LSU clinched the SEC Western Division title with Ojulari playing a pivotal role.
"It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari remarked, reflecting on the significance of the number. His attachment to the jersey number goes beyond mere superstition; it represents his journey and accomplishments at LSU.
A Common Ground
The mutual respect between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. is not a product of happenstance. The two athletes have history, having faced off against each other in a 2019 high school match—Ojulari represented Marietta High School, while Harrison Jr. suited up for St. Joseph’s Prep. From rivals to teammates, their journey has come full circle.
Understanding the sentimental value of the number, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. initiated a dialogue over text and phone to address the conflict. Their conversations were far from confrontational. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," Ojulari shared, emphasizing the amicable nature of their discussions.
A Selfless Decision
The culmination of their dialogue saw Ojulari making a selfless decision—he chose to give up the number 18 jersey for Harrison Jr. His gesture was not motivated by any financial gain. "It wasn’t a hard decision," he stated, underscoring his team-first mentality. "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."
Marvin Harrison Jr. could not have been more grateful. "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. expressed, acknowledging the weight of Ojulari's decision.
A New Beginning
With the number 18 handed over to Harrison Jr., Ojulari will start a new chapter sporting the number 9 jersey for the Arizona Cardinals. "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, reflecting on his time with the number and embracing the new journey ahead.
As the new NFL season approaches, the selflessness and camaraderie displayed by these two young athletes serve as a testament to the brotherhood of the sport. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari will undoubtedly carry their shared history forward, their mutual respect solidified, and their focus now firmly set on collective success with the Arizona Cardinals.