About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL draft, a potential conflict over jersey numbers surfaced between him and BJ Ojulari, a standout from LSU. The two young talents both laid claim to the number 18, a number laden with personal and historical significance.
Honoring Traditions
Marvin Harrison Jr. wore the number 18 while playing for Ohio State, a number that became synonymous with his stellar collegiate performances. On the other hand, for BJ Ojulari, the number held a deeper, symbolic meaning. At LSU, the number 18 is awarded to the player who exemplifies the best all-around qualities, including character, academics, and leadership. During his final season at LSU, Ojulari proudly donned this prestigious number, leading his team to an SEC Western Division title.
"It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari revealed, reflecting on the honor and the weight the number carried for him.
A History of Competition
The story between the two athletes predates their college careers. In 2019, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. faced off in a high school football game where Ojulari played for Marietta High School, and Harrison Jr. represented St. Joseph's Prep. Their competitive history set the stage for what was to come at the professional level.
Yet, away from the gridiron, the rivalry dissolved into camaraderie and mutual respect when faced with the jersey number dilemma. The dialogue began with a message from Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, informing Ojulari of the conflict. This initiated a series of conversations between the two young athletes over text and phone.
Resolving the Conflict
Despite the number's significance, Ojulari made a selfless decision to relinquish the number 18 to Harrison Jr. "It wasn’t a hard decision," Ojulari stated, emphasizing his team-first mentality. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number."
Marvin Harrison Jr., understanding the gravity of Ojulari's sacrifice, expressed his gratitude. "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. shared.
In a poignant display of sportsmanship and team unity, Ojulari embraced a new chapter by adopting the number 9 jersey. "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 explained, further solidifying his commitment to the team's success.
A Selfless Act
No financial transactions were involved in Ojulari's decision, just pure respect and understanding of what the number symbolized for each player. This act of generosity is not only a testament to Ojulari's character but also an indication of the culture within the Arizona Cardinals organization—a culture that values leadership, sacrifice, and mutual respect.
Reflecting on his time wearing the number 18, Ojulari stated, "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."
By choosing to prioritize the team's harmony and respecting Harrison Jr.'s connection to the number, Ojulari has set a high standard of leadership and sportsmanship. As the two athletes move forward in their professional careers, this episode will undoubtedly stand as an early example of their character and their commitment to the team over individual accolades.
The story of the jersey number conflict and its resolution is one where the true sense of sportsmanship outshines all, setting an example for rookies and veterans alike. The Arizona Cardinals are undoubtedly richer for having two players who embody the very essence of what it means to be both athletes and gentlemen.