BJ Ojulari Bio
Jamiu Bolaji “BJ” Ojulari (born April 5, 2002) is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). A pass-rushing edge defender, Ojulari first gained attention as a record-setting high school athlete in Georgia before becoming a standout at Louisiana State University. He entered the NFL in 2023 when the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round of the draft.
Early Life and Background
BJ Ojulari was born on April 5, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia, and raised in the same community. He is the son of Nigerian immigrants who moved to the United States before he was born, giving him a culturally rich upbringing rooted in his family’s West African heritage. His maternal grandfather was the renowned Yoruba artist Twins Seven Seven, a celebrated figure in Nigerian cultural history.
Ojulari attended Marietta High School, where he developed into one of the most productive pass rushers in the state. As a senior, he set a school record with 19 sacks in a single season and was recognized as the Area Defensive Player of the Year by the Marietta Daily Journal. His combination of size, speed, and technique made him one of the top-rated defensive prospects in his recruiting class.
Path to American Football
Ojulari originally committed to play college football at the University of Tennessee during his recruitment. However, he flipped his commitment to Louisiana State University during his senior season, joining one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference. The decision to attend LSU allowed him to play in a defensive scheme designed to maximize edge-rushing talent.
He joined the LSU Tigers as a highly regarded recruit and quickly earned playing time as a true freshman. His early production, highlighted by multiple conference weekly honors, established him as one of the top young pass rushers in college football and set the stage for his eventual transition to the NFL.
BJ Ojulari Career
Early Career (2021)
Ojulari began his college career at LSU during the 2021 season, appearing in all ten of the Tigers’ games as a freshman. He finished the year with 16 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His strong debut earned him a place on the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team, signaling his potential as a future professional.
LSU Breakthrough (2021-2022)
In his sophomore campaign, Ojulari continued to develop into one of the most disruptive defensive players in the SEC. He was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after sacking South Carolina quarterback Collin Hill three times for a loss of 21 yards. He later earned the same honor a second time following a two-and-a-half sack performance in a 49-21 victory over Central Michigan.
Ojulari capped his collegiate career with a stellar 2022 season, earning First-team All-SEC recognition for his dominant play off the edge. His combination of production, athleticism, and NFL-ready technique made him one of the top defensive prospects entering the 2023 NFL draft.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023-Present)
Ojulari was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. As a rookie, he appeared in all 17 games during the 2023 season, finishing with four sacks, 40 total tackles (23 solo), and one pass defended. His consistent production provided the Cardinals with a young building block for their defensive front.
On August 2, 2024, Ojulari suffered a torn ACL, an injury that ruled him out for the entire 2024 season. He began the 2025 season on the reserve/PUP list while continuing his recovery. On November 15, 2025, the Cardinals activated him ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, marking his return to game action.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ojulari’s career has been defined by notable milestones, including his high school sack record at Marietta High School, his SEC All-Freshman selection in 2021, and his First-team All-SEC honor in 2022. His selection as the 41st overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft marked the realization of his lifelong professional ambition, while his return from a torn ACL in 2025 represented another important achievement in his young career.
BJ Ojulari Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
BJ Ojulari comes from a family with deep Nigerian roots, as his parents immigrated to the United States from Nigeria. His maternal grandfather was Twins Seven Seven, a celebrated Yoruba artist known for his contributions to Nigerian cultural heritage. The family’s immigrant story and artistic lineage have shaped Ojulari’s identity and grounded his approach to professional football.
Personal Life
Ojulari’s older brother, Azeez Ojulari, also pursued a career in football, playing college football for the Georgia Bulldogs before being selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. The Ojulari brothers represent one of the more notable sibling pairings in recent NFL history, with both achieving success as edge rushers at the highest level of professional football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented BJ Ojulari with the challenge of returning from a torn ACL suffered during the 2024 preseason. He began the year on the reserve/PUP list, working through the final stages of his rehabilitation with the Cardinals’ medical and training staff. His recovery timeline placed his potential return in the latter portion of the regular season.
On November 15, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals activated Ojulari from the reserve/PUP list ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, marking his first game action since the previous year. His return added a young, athletic pass rusher to a Cardinals defense looking to build momentum for the future.
As the 2025 season progresses, Ojulari’s role with the Cardinals is expected to grow as he regains his pre-injury form. His combination of explosiveness, technical refinement, and familiarity with the team’s defensive scheme positions him as a key piece of Arizona’s long-term defensive plans. The remainder of the 2025 campaign will serve as a critical evaluation period for both player and franchise.