BJ Ojulari Bio
Jamiu Bolaji “BJ” Ojulari is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He played college football for the LSU Tigers before being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Ojulari grew up in Marietta, Georgia, where he established himself as a dominant high school defender before making a successful transition to the college level. His rapid development at LSU earned him First-team All-SEC honors and positioned him as one of the top pass-rushing prospects in his draft class.
Early Life and Background
Ojulari grew up in Marietta, Georgia, where his passion for football began during his youth. He attended Marietta High School, where he developed into a highly decorated recruit. His senior season proved exceptional as he set a school record with 19 sacks and earned recognition as the Area Defensive Player of the Year with the Marietta Daily Journal. His standout high school career attracted attention from multiple major college programs across the country.
Ojulari initially committed to play college football at the University of Tennessee but made a significant decision during his senior season when he flipped his commitment to LSU. This choice proved pivotal as he joined a program that had recently established itself as a national powerhouse in college football. His commitment to LSU marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to American Football
Ojulari’s transition from high school to college football at LSU required adjustment to the increased speed and competition of the SEC. He arrived as a promising prospect with raw athleticism and developed into a refined defensive talent over three seasons. His work ethic and natural abilities allowed him to contribute immediately, setting the stage for his eventual rise to NFL prominence.
His collegiate career at LSU positioned him among the conference’s elite defenders, earning First-team All-SEC honors in 2022. The experience he gained facing top-tier college competition prepared him for the challenges of professional football. His journey from Marietta to LSU demonstrated his ability to excel at the highest levels of the sport.
BJ Ojulari Career
College Career (2020–2022)
Ojulari made an immediate impact at LSU, appearing in all ten games as a true freshman during the 2020 season. He recorded 16 tackles, four sacks, and five tackles for loss while forcing one fumble and recovering another. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest collegiate level from day one. His remarkable freshman campaign included a standout performance against South Carolina where he sacked quarterback Collin Hill three times for a loss of 21 yards, earning him SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
His sophomore season in 2021 saw him continue his upward trajectory. Ojulari earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time in his career following an impressive 2.5-sack performance in LSU’s 49-21 victory over Central Michigan. By his junior season in 2022, he had established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the conference. Ojulari earned First-team All-SEC honors that year, solidifying his status as an elite pass rusher and NFL prospect.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
The Arizona Cardinals selected Ojulari in the second round with the 41st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He entered the league with high expectations and immediately validated the Cardinals’ investment during his rookie season. Ojulari appeared in all 17 games in 2023, finishing with four sacks, 40 total tackles (23 solo), and one pass defended. His ability to adapt quickly to the professional level demonstrated his football intelligence and versatility.
However, his sophomore season encountered significant adversity. On August 2, 2024, Ojulari suffered a torn ACL during training, which forced him to miss the entire 2024 campaign. This injury represented a major setback in his early professional career, requiring extensive rehabilitation and mental resilience. He entered the 2025 season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list as he continued his recovery from the ACL surgery.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ojulari possesses elite first-step explosiveness that allows him to threaten the edge consistently. His signature move involves a quick inside swim counter that overwhelms offensive tackles with speed-to-power conversion. His length and body control enable him to dip underneath arm extensions, while his motor runs consistently throughout every down. He demonstrates strong instincts against the run and displays the versatility to align across multiple positions in sub-packages, making him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ojulari’s most significant career moments are his SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors during his freshman and sophomore seasons, his First-team All-SEC selection in 2022, and being selected 41st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. His return from ACL surgery in 2025 marked another milestone as he worked to reclaim his position as an impact player in the Cardinals’ defense.
BJ Ojulari Career Statistics
Ojulari’s professional career statistics reflect his contributions across his rookie season and his return in 2025. Through the 2025 season, he has accumulated 49 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 pass deflection. His rookie season in 2023 represented his most extensive action to date, with 17 games played and 4 sacks registered.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Ojulari’s rookie season established his foundation in the NFL with 4 sacks and 40 tackles across 17 games. His 2025 season marked his return from injury, with limited appearances following his activation in November. Combined across both seasons, his 5 career sacks demonstrate his potential as a pass-rushing threat, while his 49 total tackles show his ability to contribute against the run.
BJ Ojulari Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Ojulari comes from a family with deep roots in athletics and the arts. His parents immigrated to the United States from Nigeria, bringing cultural heritage that has influenced his identity and values. Notably, his maternal grandfather was Twins Seven Seven, a renowned Yoruba artist, connecting him to a distinguished artistic lineage in Nigerian culture.
Personal Life
Football runs in the Ojulari family beyond BJ. His older brother, Azeez Ojulari, played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs before being selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Both brothers have reached the NFL, creating a remarkable family legacy in professional football. Their shared path through elite college programs and into the professional ranks demonstrates the family’s commitment to athletic excellence. BJ’s journey from Marietta, Georgia, to becoming an NFL player has been shaped by family support and the example set by his brother’s achievements in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Ojulari’s career as he worked to return from a season-ending ACL injury sustained in August 2024. He began the season on the reserve/PUP list while completing his rehabilitation from surgery, forcing him to watch from the sidelines during the first portion of the campaign. The Cardinals maintained patience throughout his recovery process, recognizing the importance of ensuring his long-term health before returning him to action.
Ojulari was activated on November 15, 2025, ahead of the team’s Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. His return to the field marked the culmination of months of dedicated rehabilitation and mental preparation. The Cardinals’ coaching staff gradually reintegrated him into the defensive lineup, balancing his development with the team’s competitive objectives for the remainder of the season.
His return from injury established a foundation for the 2026 season, where he will aim to demonstrate the form that made him a second-round pick and First-team All-SEC selection. The experience of overcoming a major injury has tested his resilience and provided motivation for the next phase of his professional career. As Ojulari enters his third NFL season, expectations remain high for him to establish himself as a consistent impact player in the Cardinals’ defense.