Destined Alliance: The Partnership Between the Bears and Odunze
In the 24 hours since being drafted ninth overall by the Bears, wide receiver Rome Odunze repeatedly described his feelings as "surreal." It's surreal for him to join the same city where his football hero, Devin Hester, carved out a Hall of Fame legacy. He finds it surreal that just a week prior, he was catching passes from his new teammates DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and top draft pick Caleb Williams, during a session in Los Angeles. Adding to the surrealism, he and Williams shared a flight to Detroit for the draft on Tuesday.
"These all seem like coincidences, don't they?" Odunze mused during his first press conference at Halas Hall. "But then you start to think it might not be coincidental at all. It feels like it was destined. Growing up with a connection to the city, attending air shows, idolizing Devin Hester, and owning my first Bears jersey of [Brian] Urlacher�it feels almost too perfect."
The Bears' interest in Odunze was clearly mutual. General Manager Ryan Poles revealed that Assistant GM Ian Cunningham had to restrain him from making a "crazy" trade to secure Odunze earlier in the draft. Odunze felt a strong connection during his top 30 visit to Halas Hall earlier in the month, where the team's thorough understanding of his capabilities deeply impressed him.
"I was prepared to be happy wherever I ended up, but deep down, I hoped it would be Chicago," Odunze confessed. "The effort they put into my visit and our conversations was outstanding. When I got the call from an Illinois number, I knew it had to be the Bears, and I was ecstatic."
The chance to form a lasting partnership with Williams, Moore, and Allen significantly influenced his enthusiasm. The veteran receivers even welcomed the rookies into their group chat, congratulating them shortly after their selection.
Just moments after walking the draft stage, Odunze was playfully ambushed by Williams during a Zoom call with the Chicago media. "It's incredibly exciting to be his teammate and to start this journey together," Odunze said, hopeful that their partnership will be remembered fondly after their careers.
Reflecting on their collegiate encounter where Washington defeated USC 52-42, Odunze remarked on Williams' remarkable performance, praising his unique abilities and confidence. Now teammates, Odunze is thrilled at the prospect of not having to face Williams as an opponent.
With the Bears already strengthening their offense this offseason by adding players like Allen, running back D'Andre Swift, and tight end Gerald Everett, Odunze believes the team has the potential for significant success. "I'm really excited for the attack mindset we'll have," he said. "It reminds me of my college days, with all the key pieces we had. It feels like everything is coming together for some incredible seasons ahead."
| POLL | ||
27 AVRIL | 66 ANSWERS Destined Alliance: The Partnership Between the Bears and Odunze Do you think Rome Odunze will live up to his draft expectations with the Bears? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 92.4 % |
| No | 5 | 7.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
