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 Jeff Schwimmer, Arizona's equipment manager. The message outlined a potential conflict over jersey numbers, sparking a dialogue between the two newly minted professional athletes.
Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari sported the number 18 during their collegiate careers. Harrison Jr. wore it at Ohio State while Ojulari donned it at LSU. For Ojulari, the number carried a special significance. During his final season at LSU, he was awarded the number 18, a prestigious honor given to the player who best exemplifies character, academics, and leadership. This accolade is a storied tradition at LSU, emphasizing the importance of the digit to Ojulari. Under his leadership, the Tigers clinched the SEC Western Division title, further cementing his affinity for that number.
The Conflict and Dialogue
A potential clash was inevitable. Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had a history that dated back to high school in 2019 when they faced off against each other—Ojulari representing Marietta High School and Harrison Jr. suiting up for St. Joseph's Prep. This added another layer of complexity to their professional careers intertwining yet again.
A mature and respectful conversation ensued over text and phone between the two teammates. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," Ojulari recalled. Despite the significant value he placed on the number, Ojulari chose to relinquish it to Harrison Jr. without a monetary exchange, a gesture that spoke volumes about his character. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," he admitted. However, he saw the bigger picture and decided to put the team first. “It wasn’t a hard decision.”
A Grateful Teammate
Marvin Harrison Jr. expressed immense gratitude for Ojulari’s sacrifice. "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. stated. The mutual respect between the two players was evident, and it set a positive tone for their budding relationship as teammates.
Ojulari’s willingness to adapt displayed not only his dedication to the team but also his recognition of Harrison Jr.'s potential impact on the field. "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 said, highlighting his team-first mentality.
New Beginnings
Though sad to part with the number 18, Ojulari embraced his new beginning with jersey number 9. Reflecting on his time with the cherished number, he shared, "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 profound personal connection athletes often have with their jersey numbers, symbols that reflect their journey, achievements, and identity.
As both players prepare for the upcoming season, the resolution of their jersey number conflict stands as a testament to their maturity and readiness to prioritize team harmony over individual preferences. With such a strong foundation of mutual respect and understanding, the Arizona Cardinals can look forward to an exciting future led by talents like Harrison Jr. and Ojulari.