NEWSLETTER
The folks over at Bears Wire got an opportunity to go one-on-one with rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. In a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from his draft-night experience, early impressions on Caleb Williams, and the “Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile” video game, one section of quotes from Odunze stood out to me.
Mostly because I came away believing that Rome Odunze is truly relishing the opportunity to learn while working with fellow receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen:
“I think that’s the best way to grow is to be able to be around people who have done for a long time as they have done and continue to have tremendous success on the field,” Odunze said, via Bears Wire’s Alyssa Barbieri. “So it’s awesome. They’re great dudes on and off the field, honestly. Great personalities, cracking jokes, having fun, as well as very and hard working on the field. Each and every time we step on the field, striving to improve and make sure they’re leveled up their game. To be able to learn from them, to have me under their wing, I think is a tremendous honor for myself, two of the best receivers in the league.”
I love it when a rookie says things that make you think this guy gets it.
Rome Odunze understands his career arc is just beginning
The Rome Odunze quote from the Bears Wire interview had me flashing back to something fellow rookie Caleb Williams told reporters earlier in the month:
“To be a great leader, you’ve got to learn how to follow first. Right now, I’m following all the vets, following all the coaches. I’m listening. Having both ears open, and my mouth shut. Just kind of sitting back and listening. And then when I get to the point of when I learn everything, when I learn the ways of how we do the culture, the playbook, and what the offensive line, receivers, running backs, and tight ends are all doing then you can start taking the lead. For right now though, I’m listening more than I’m speaking and talking. And I’m taking it one step at a time.”
Before one becomes a great leader, one must first learn how to follow. And sometimes, before one becomes a great receiver, they must first learn from those around him. That checks out, right?
CHECK IT OUT: The First Projections For Chicago Bears Rookies Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams are HERE
Thinking about this in this light has yours truly remembering Randy Moss playing with Cris Carter when he was a rookie in 1998. Moss was a star in the making, but having a veteran along for the ride probably helped matters. There was the passing of the torch, to be sure. And I imagine not having the pressure to carry the load helped matters.
I’m not sure how much Rome Odunze will be doing during this week’s OTA practice sessions. If you’ll recall, Odunze missed a practice 10 days ago because of a hamstring injury. There is no need to push hard for a return right now. However, it would be nice to get a health update sooner, rather than later. Hopefully, good news is on the horizon regarding the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
