Rome Odunze, the top receiver for the Chicago Bears, is not letting his father”s recent comments affect him. The Bears, currently standing at 5-4, recently secured a dramatic comeback victory against the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 47-42. Despite this offensive success, Odunze did not record a single catch during the game, failing to convert any of his three targets.
Following the game, Odunze”s father, James Odunze, shared a message on social media advocating for his son to be traded to a team that would utilize him more effectively. This has drawn considerable attention on social media, prompting ESPN”s Courtney Cronin to report on Odunze”s reaction. His response was measured and firm.
“I don”t make a big deal out of it,” Odunze stated. “Obviously, he has his opinions and I have mine. And he feels like he needs to voice those things on social media. That”s his prerogative. But he speaks for himself. I speak for myself.” While it is understandable for the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to feel frustrated by his lack of targets, Odunze remains committed to the Bears.
Throughout the first nine weeks of the season, Odunze leads the team with 59 targets, totaling 473 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His 31 receptions are tied for the highest on the team alongside Olamide Zaccheaus. The 23-year-old is demonstrating maturity in how he handles his father”s concerns, choosing to downplay the situation respectfully.
Odunze remarked, “Like I say, he has his opinions, and at the end of the day, he”s a Rome fan. He”s in full support of Rome Odunze. So that”s first and foremost for him. But I love my pops.” The issue of family members expressing dissatisfaction with a player”s role is not uncommon in sports. However, Odunze has taken charge of the narrative, minimizing the impact of his father”s comments.
He is not anxious about his role within the team, which remains crucial for the Bears” success. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to continue utilizing Odunze effectively. The performance in Week 9 was an outlier, and Odunze will have opportunities to rebound, particularly with an upcoming game against the New York Giants. This matchup against a struggling Giants defense presents an ideal chance for Odunze to ease his father”s worries.
In other Bears news, the team has announced an unfortunate update on Kyle Gordon, as the star cornerback has been placed on injured reserve. Additionally, the Bears” running game has seen a resurgence thanks to contributions from D”Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. A Black Friday game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Amazon Prime Video is also set to make NFL history. Furthermore, trade rumors have surfaced regarding the Bears” failed pursuit of a Jets edge rusher and the acquisition of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns, in light of Dayo Odeyingbo”s season-ending Achilles injury highlighting a significant need for the Bears.
