Rome Odunze was a toddler when Devin Hester made his electrifying kickoff return for a score to open the Super Bowl. Odunze is sure to credit this moment for making Devin Hester his favorite player of all time.Odunze said in a CBS Sports 1-on-1 interview that he might need to contact coach Richard Hightower to be able to play the return game. “We’ll see. But you know, this player was special. I hope that I can imitate just a tiny bit of him.”Is Odunze really serious about potentially returning punts or kickoffs for Bears?
He said: “Shoot. Man, there’s always chance.” There’s always a possibility, you know. Put the ball into your hands and start working.”Odunze certainly has worked this season, for the Bears 4-3 who are looking to have their first winning season in the franchise since 2018. Odunze, a 2024 first-round selection, has played a major role in Chicago’s early successes. He has five receiving touchdowns and two more than his rookie season. He is also on pace to have the 20th 1,000 yard receiving season in franchise’s history.
Chicago’s early successes can be largely attributed to Bears’ first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson publicly challenged his team to improve their practices after Chicago had a 0-2 start. The players responded by racking up four wins in a row before Sunday’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens.
Odunze praised Johnson’s ability in finding the right balance between challenging players and maintaining the locker-room, a difficult task for any coach. This is especially true for a first time head coach with a brand new team.Odunze stated that “it’s definitely balance,” he said. At this level you need to pay attention. I do think that he has done an excellent job.”He has a very good approach. Understanding what we feel, the expectations and what he wants from us. These things seem to have worked well together. It’s one of the reasons we were able regain our momentum with the four-game winning streak. He said that this week our preparation will help us get back on the right track.”
Williams, who had a league high 58 sacks during his rookie campaign, has seen his passer rating improve this year even though he is learning a different offense for the second consecutive time. Williams, who was a former first-round pick, has had to face the scrutiny that comes from being an ex-number one. As mentioned, Williams has also had to deal with the intense scrutiny that comes from being a former No.Odunze said Williams did a fantastic job and was able to deal with the outside noise. “He’s a true leader, for us and this organization. I think that despite all of the scrutiny and the negative things people have said about him, he still has the mentality that everything in this building is important. Holding yourself accountable for the standards that are expected inside this building.
“At the end of it all, people will have something to say.” He’s been doing a fantastic job and has improved since he arrived.”2024 picks Odunze and Williams have played a key role in Chicago’s 4-3-0 start
Getty Images
Odunze is a Chicago native who grew up in Las Vegas. City He regularly has “food adventures” with his significant other while visiting the downtown area, he said. He said he regularly has “food adventure” with his girlfriend while visiting downtown. Odunze knows how much a championship means to Chicago, and to the fan base who has not had that experience since Mike Ditka and Walter Payton and Mike Singletary, and the rest, won Super Bowl XX in 1985. Chicago hasn’t returned since Hester became the first player in history to score a touchdown on a kickoff-return during Super Bowl XLI.
Odunze is not only eager to emulate Hester’s success on the field of football, but also wants to help the Bears win the Super Bowl.Odunze told Bears fans that they were itching to win the big game. “That is the obvious goal. … That’s what we’re striving for. We want to do it this season and next season. We have to get things in order and work hard every day to be in the best position possible.”From an individual standpoint, Odunze aspires to have a career that is good enough for him to be able stand alongside his childhood heroes’ in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Hester became the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 2024, primarily because of his role as a returning specialist.
“When I hang this up, I hope to be among the best players of this position,” said he. “Hopefully I’ll have my jacket, and all the other things.” “Those are long-term goals, but it’s important to aim for the best or else what’s point in doing it?” Odunze, along with pursuing individual and team greatness, has partnered this season up with Invisalign. This is a removable orthodontic system that straightens your teeth without using traditional metal braces. Odunze said, “I went on a journey together in highschool.” “It was an amazing experience. This is backed up by 25 years of research, and has helped 20 million people. I am one of the 20 million. It’s been wonderful.”
2025-10-29 02:11:20
