Two weeks after the Arizona Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. as the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft, BJ Ojulari encountered an unexpected dilemma. Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, informed Ojulari of a budding conflict over jersey numbers. Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had worn the number 18 during their collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers.
Number 18 holds particular significance for Ojulari, who was awarded the jersey in his final season at LSU. This honor is traditionally bestowed upon the player who exemplifies character, academic excellence, and leadership. It’s a cherished number that signifies more than just athletic prowess. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari said, reflecting the deep connection he had with the number.
As much as the number 18 defines his collegiate success, Ojulari recognized the need for dialogue. He and Harrison Jr. had more history than most. The two athletes had competed against each other in high school in 2019, with Ojulari playing for Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. representing St. Joseph's Prep. This long-standing familiarity made their subsequent conversation about the jersey number more meaningful.
Compromise and Team Spirit
Ojulari initiated contact through text messages and phone calls to discuss the number conflict with Harrison Jr. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," Ojulari recounted. Despite his attachment to number 18, Ojulari decided to give it up for Harrison Jr., who eagerly accepted it. "It wasn’t a hard decision," Ojulari stated, emphasizing that the dialogue was smooth and amicable.
There were no ulterior motives or financial transactions in this exchange—just mutual respect. "No money exchanged hands in the process of Ojulari giving up the number 18 jersey," a fact that underscores the sincerity in their agreement. For Harrison Jr., the decision was a gift of immeasurable value. "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, acknowledging the significance of the number to Ojulari.
New Beginnings
With the transition smoothly completed, Ojulari selected his new jersey number: 9. This new number marked the dawn of a fresh chapter in his career. Naturally, wearing a different digit may evoke mixed emotions. "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 reflected, showing gratitude for his time in the iconic jersey.
Ojulari’s selfless act did not go unnoticed by his new teammate. Harrison Jr. could see the value in such a gesture, emphasizing the team-oriented spirit that it exemplified. "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 stated. His words highlight his commitment not just to his career but to the betterment of the entire team.
In the grander scheme of things, such moments of compromise and demonstrable leadership set a strong foundation for team unity. As both players embark on their NFL journeys with the Arizona Cardinals, the amicable resolution of the jersey number conflict adds a layer of depth to their professional relationship. It's a story of respect, mutual support, and a shared goal of achieving success on the field, illustrating that sometimes the most significant victories are those that occur off the field, in moments of humility and respect among teammates.