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. The sender was Arizona's equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, and the subject was a potential conflict over the coveted jersey number 18.
Both Harrison Jr. and Ojulari had sported the number 18 during their collegiate careers—Harrison Jr. with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ojulari with the LSU Tigers. This jersey number, particularly at LSU, carried significant weight, symbolizing exceptional character, academics, and leadership. For Ojulari, who wore the number during his final season, it was a mark of distinction. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari reflected.
Securing the number 18 jersey at LSU is no small feat. It's a revered honor, signifying the best all-around player on the team. For Ojulari, this number became a testament to his impactful presence both on and off the field. During his tenure with LSU, sporting the number 18 jersey, the team clinched the SEC Western Division title—a memorable achievement for the standout linebacker.
A Meeting of Rivals
The history between Ojulari and Harrison Jr. extends beyond their college years, tracing back to their high school days. In 2019, Ojulari, representing Marietta High School, faced off against Harrison Jr., who played for St. Joseph's Prep. The two athletes, now professional players, found themselves at an interesting crossroads yet again, but this time, it wasn’t a game that brought them together, but a jersey number.
Initiating dialogue over text and phone, Ojulari and Harrison Jr. approached the situation with mutual respect and maturity. "We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number," Ojulari said, describing their conversations. The process was smooth and devoid of any financial transaction. In the end, Ojulari decided to relinquish the number 18 jersey to Harrison Jr.
Reflecting on his decision, Ojulari emphasized the importance of team cohesion and Harrison Jr.'s deserving nature. "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," Ojulari stated. Harrison Jr., equally appreciative, responded, "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."
New Beginnings
With the number 18 jersey now Harrison Jr.'s, Ojulari embraced a new identity on the field by taking up the number 9 jersey. It's a fresh start, yet Ojulari’s attachment to the number 18 remains strong. "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 reminisced.
As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the upcoming season, the camaraderie and respect between these two young players set a positive tone for the team's dynamics. Both Ojulari and Harrison Jr. exemplify the qualities of leadership and team spirit, essential ingredients for any successful squad.
In the landscape of professional sports, jersey numbers often hold personal and cultural significance. The graceful manner in which both Ojulari and Harrison Jr. handled their situation adds another layer of narrative to their burgeoning careers. For Cardinals’ fans, it’s a promising indication of the character and unity within their team’s ranks.