Rome Odunze is having an impressive second season in the NFL, but his father had an outburst last week while suggesting his son needs to leave the team with the WR having to respond
07:06 ET, 07 Nov 2025
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Rome Odunze has responded to his father taking to social media to bash the Bears
Rome Odunze has stated that his father does not speak for him and he does not share his opinions after he made headlines for all the wrong reasons with a Chicago Bears-related rant.
The Chicago Bears wide receiver leads the league in receiving yards and looks to be on the precipice of having a breakout season in his second year in the NFL. Odunze was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and had a solid but unspectacular first season in the league. But since becoming the number one receiver this year, Odunze has looked every bit of advertised amid Caleb Williams' rollercoaster season.
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Despite his impressive play though, there have been some frustrations with his usage - with Bears fans wanting to see him be targeted more often. Odunze's father had taken this a step further, re-posting a tweet that had written the Bears should 'trade him to a team that will actually throw him the ball'.
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James Odunze also shared a screenshot of Rome having to block a defensive end on one play - a role uncommon for a number one receiver which put him at risk of injury.
The wide receiver was asked about his father's takes on social media, admitting: "I don't make a big deal out it.
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Rome Odunze leads the Bears in yards this season
"You know, obviously he has his opinions, I have mine, and he feels like he needs to voice those things on social media, but that's his prerogative.
"He speaks for himself. I speak for myself. At the end of the day, he's a Rome fan. You know what I mean? He's in full support of Rome Odunze.
"So that's first and foremost for him. But I love my pops."
Odunze Sr has not been alone in a father speaking out against their son's usage as a wide receiver. Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr had insinuated that he wanted his son, Marvin Harrison Jr, off of the Arizona Cardinals due to their struggling offense.
Harrison Jr and Odunze were both first-round picks in last years draft, but have not yet taken the leap that many expected in them becoming elite calibre players.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze react to a play
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Caleb Williams has also improved so far this season(Image: Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Still, Odunze is the leading receiver in a 5-3 team under new head coach Ben Johnson. He will hope to keep building a rapport with his quarterback Williams - both being drafted into the league together.
The Bears will face the struggling New York Giants this weekend, having a favorable schedule while being well in the race for a playoff spot.
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