Dayo Odeyingbo was in high demand entering the 2025 offseason. While not a true sack specialist, the big defensive end had established himself as a disruptor who offered versatility to play inside and outside. The Chicago Bears heavily value those qualities, especially under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. That is why he was a priority for them in free agency. There was one issue. Lots of other teams wanted him, too. They all had money to spend. So if the Bears were going to get him, they’d have to find another angle.
Luckily, money was Odeyingbo’s primary motivator. After years of being stuck in the mud with the Colts, he wanted to join a team he felt had a chance to win. Sure, money was important, but his desire went beyond that. Odeyingbo wanted to build a legacy. He wanted people to remember him after he played. When the Bears met with him, they were direct with their goals: winning championships. Odeyingbo was sold.
So, how did the defensive end adopt this mindset?
Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic said it came from watching one of the best pass rushers of the past 30 years. Somebody Odeyingbo grew up idolizing.
Speaking to The Athletic after practice last week, Odeyingbo reiterated that mindset. He talked about James Harrison, the legendary Steelers pass rusher. Harrison was in the league for seven seasons before his first big contract. He might not have always had the most lucrative deals, but he was a fearsome playmaker.
“(Harrison) had a meaningful career, and everyone knows who he is because of the things he did in big moments,” Odeyingbo said. “That’s what I want to be a part of. That’s why I asked those questions.”
Dayo Odeyingbo understood Harrison prioritized winning.
The former outside linebacker was king of the world going into 2009. He’d just had a breakout season with 16 sacks, capping it with one of the greatest plays in NFL history, returning an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. He had every reason to chase the biggest payday that offseason since he was 30 years old and running out of time. Instead, he opted to stay in Pittsburgh, where he’d continue building his legacy. Now he’s revered as one of the greatest players in Steelers history. That came about through excellent play and winning. Dayo Odeyingbo wants the same things. Despite Chicago’s recent struggles, he feels the Bears are building something serious.
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