Chicago Bears Rome Odunze Reveals The Franchise Legend He Looks To Emulate; And It Should Excite Fans
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze has high aspirations, and they extend beyond just catching passes. The 2024 first-round pick has his sights set on emulating his all-time favorite player, Bears legend and Hall of Fame return specialist Devin Hester. Odunze’s admiration for Hester is so profound that he is actively looking for opportunities to make his mark in the return game, just like his childhood hero.
Chicago Bears Rome Odunze On Devin Hester
In a recent interview, Odunze expressed his willingness to contribute on special teams, a role that Hester famously turned into an art form. “I might have to hit up coach (Richard Hightower) to get in the return game too,” Odunze said. “He was a special player. Hopefully I can emulate just a little bit of that.” When asked if he was serious about returning kicks and punts, he confirmed his interest, stating, “Shoot, man, there’s always a chance… Put the ball in your hand and go to work.”
Making an Immediate Impact
While his special teams debut remains to be seen, Odunze is already making a significant impact as a cornerstone of the Bears’ offense. Through the early part of the 2025 season, he has quickly become a key target for quarterback Caleb Williams. With five receiving touchdowns already, Odunze has surpassed his rookie season total and is on pace to become just the 20th player in franchise history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. His connection with Williams, another 2024 first-round pick, is proving to be a bright spot for a Bears team looking to establish a new identity under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
Odunze’s early success is a crucial component of the team’s promising 4-3 start. His development, alongside Williams, provides a glimpse into a potentially dynamic future for the Bears’ offense. He praised Williams for his leadership and ability to handle the intense scrutiny that comes with being a No. 1 overall pick, noting his quarterback’s focus on the standards set within the building rather than the outside noise.
Chasing a Legacy in Chicago
Odunze’s goals are not just about personal statistics; they are about building a lasting legacy in a city that is passionate about its football. He understands that Bears fans are desperate for a championship, an experience they haven’t had since the iconic 1985 team. The last time the Bears reached the Super Bowl was in 2007, a game famously opened by Hester’s electrifying kickoff return for a touchdown.
For Odunze, emulating Hester means more than just making explosive plays. It means striving for greatness and aiming to bring a championship back to Chicago. “That’s obviously the goal… That’s what we’re striving for,” he said of winning a title. On a personal level, his ambitions are just as high. He hopes that when his career is over, he will be considered one of the best to ever play the position, worthy of a gold jacket just like the one Hester received in 2024. By embracing the city and its history, Rome Odunze is not just playing for the Bears; he’s aiming to become a part of their legendary story.
