LAKE FOREST, Ailing. — Chicago Bears extensive receiver Rome Odunze stated Thursday his father James’ posts on social media are his prerogative, however that they do not converse for him.
Odunze is coming off the primary sport of his NFL profession with no catch — all of the extra stunning because the Bears put up 47 factors in a last-second win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He was focused 3 times within the sport, however did not haul in a reception.
Whereas the ninth choose within the 2024 draft supplied an sincere evaluation of his play towards the Bengals — noting a go in the long run zone that hit him in each arms was one he “may undoubtedly make” however struggled to haul in as soon as the ball was tipped — his father took to social media this week to precise criticism of the Bears offense.
Following the win, James Odunze reposted a message on social media that requested whether or not the Bears would “commerce Rome Odunze to a crew that may really throw to him” and one other that declared the receiver “must be seeing at the very least 10 targets per sport.”
“I do not make an enormous deal out of it,” Rome Odunze stated. “Clearly he has his opinions and I’ve mine. And he appears like he must voice these issues on social media. That is his prerogative. However he speaks for himself. I converse for myself.”
Odunze leads the Bears in targets (59), receiving yards (473), touchdowns (5) and is tied with fellow receiver Olamide Zaccheaus with 31 receptions. He’s averaging over seven targets per sport and dispelled any notion that he’s pissed off together with his function in Chicago.
“Oh man. I am pleased,” Rome Odunze stated. “I am simply attempting to do my job inside this group as a frontrunner as an individual as a person after which as a soccer participant. So attempting to excel at a Corridor of Fame degree in these points. That is all I am targeted on.”
The receiver, who returned to apply on Thursday after being sidelined with heel and ankle accidents, stated he is not bothered by having to reply inquiries about his father’s social media posts and stated his father’s intentions are good natured.
“I am fairly good at answering questions,” Odunze stated. “So. I do not thoughts it. Like I say, he has his opinions and on the finish of the day, he is a Rome fan. He is in full help of Rome Odunze. In order that’s before everything for him. However I like my pops.”
Whereas his manufacturing within the go sport was lacking in Cincinnati, the Bears social media crew tweeted out a 2 minute, 16 second compilation of the contributions Odunze made as a blocker within the win. It is a function Odunze stated he is emphasised since getting into the NFL and one which gamers should “excel at to be a fantastic receiver on this league.”
“That was cool. I admire them doing that,” he stated. “Clearly it is an unstated rule…er…underappreciated side of extensive receiver play that I really feel like I excelled at in that sport. Simply seeking to construct on that.”
The Bears, who at 5-3 are within the combine within the NFC North race, play the New York Giants at Soldier Subject on Sunday.