About two weeks after being drafted fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals, Marvin Harrison Jr. found himself at the center of an unexpected but significant discussion. It wasn’t about playbooks or training regimes but rather a jersey number—specifically, the coveted number 18.
Harrison Jr. and fellow draftee BJ Ojulari both had strong ties to the number 18. Harrison Jr. had worn it during his impressive tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes, while Ojulari had sported it with pride at LSU. For Ojulari, the number carried even more weight as he was honored with it in his final season—a number given to the best all-around player, recognized for character, academics, and leadership. "It meant everything to me. It was really important to me," Ojulari reflected.
The LSU Legacy
Wearing the number 18, Ojulari helped guide LSU to an SEC Western Division title. The prestigious number, a symbol of excellence within the Tigers' program, was more than just fabric and digits for Ojulari; it was a testament to his contributions on and off the field.
But now, in Arizona, a new chapter awaited. The Cardinals' equipment manager, Jeff Schwimmer, was the first to flag the potential conflict. Harrison Jr. wasn't just any rookie; he was the future face of the franchise. Recognizing the significance of the situation, Schwimmer reached out to Ojulari.
A Dialogue Begins
Ojulari and Harrison Jr., rivals in high school in 2019, reconnected over this new dilemma. “We was just chopping it up. We got to talking about the number,” Ojulari recounted. The two athletes, both understanding the sentimental value attached to the number, engaged in a respectful dialogue over text and phone.
In a move that showcased his leadership and team-first mentality, Ojulari decided to give up the number 18 jersey for Harrison Jr. “It wasn’t a hard decision,” Ojulari said, indicating his willingness to support his teammate.
A Gesture of Goodwill
Unlike many such exchanges in professional sports, no money changed hands. This was not a transaction but a gesture of goodwill and respect. Harrison Jr. expressed his gratitude, noting, “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.”
Ojulari, now set to wear the number 9, spoke highly of Harrison Jr., emphasizing the importance of the team above individual preferences. “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 New Beginning
The transition marks a new beginning for Ojulari, who will always cherish his time in the number 18 jersey. “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.”
For Harrison Jr., the opportunity to don the number 18 in Arizona represents a continuation of a legacy that spans his high school and college careers. The mutual respect between the two players underscores the camaraderie and unity within the Cardinals' roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In a sport where egos often clash, the story of Ojulari and Harrison Jr. serves as a refreshing reminder of sportsmanship and the shared goals that bind teammates together. As the Cardinals look forward to a bright future with their new draftees, the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect sets a hopeful tone for what lies ahead.