About two weeks after Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft, a seemingly minor but symbolically significant issue arose—jersey numbers. Both Harrison Jr. and BJ Ojulari, a fellow rookie on the Cardinals, had donned the number 18 during their storied collegiate careers. Harrison Jr. wore the number while playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Ojulari wore it during his time with the LSU Tigers.
A Coveted Number
For Ojulari, wearing number 18 was about more than just a jersey. During his final season at LSU, he was awarded the number 18, a prestigious honor conferred upon the best all-around player, recognized for their character, academic achievements, and leadership on and off the field. Under Ojulari’s leadership, LSU claimed the SEC Western Division title, making the number even more meaningful for him.
The honor and historical significance of the number at LSU made it a challenging number to part with. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari expressed, reflecting on the significance of the jersey number in his college career. "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."
A Collegiate Rivalry Revisited
This wasn't the first time Ojulari and Harrison Jr. found themselves at odds—the two had faced off in high school back in 2019. Ojulari played for Marietta High School, while Harrison Jr. represented St. Joseph’s Prep. The two young stars, now reunited as teammates in the NFL, found themselves in an unexpected negotiation over a jersey number that held substantial personal value for both.
The Conversation
When Arizona’s equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, informed Ojulari of the potential conflict, it prompted an essential dialogue between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. The two rookies initiated conversations over text and phone to resolve the issue amicably. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," Ojulari recounted.
Despite his deep connection to the number 18, Ojulari made the decision to hand it over to Harrison Jr. "It wasn’t a hard decision," Ojulari stated, embodying a team-first mentality. He elaborated on his thought process, highlighting the character and mutual respect they shared. "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."
A Gesture of Respect
Marvin Harrison Jr., new to the Cardinals but already a key piece of their future, expressed his gratitude for Ojulari's gesture. "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 weight of the number and the significance of Ojulari's decision.
It’s important to note that no money exchanged hands in the process. The decision was made purely out of respect and a shared commitment to the team’s success. With Harrison Jr. donning number 18, Ojulari chose a new number, 9, for his NFL journey.
This resolution is a testament to the selflessness and leadership that both young players possess. In a league where jersey numbers can often transform into commodities, this story stands out as an example of sportsmanship and camaraderie. For the Cardinals, having two rookies who exemplify such traits bodes well for their future, both on and off the field.