Plenty of players reach the NFL thanks to their absurd athletic gifts. Rome Odunze is no different. Not many guys have 6’3 size and 4.4 speed. That alone would’ve gotten him drafted. However, to go #9 overall required more. It required work. The Washington standout did something a lot of college receivers don’t. He forced himself to become a legitimate route runner. That came from some of the most obsessive practice routines that players his edge never come close to. It was one of the biggest reasons the Chicago Bears drafted him.
It is always interesting to find out where these habits came from. Caleb Williams said his father helped teach him the necessity of hard work. Odunze is a little different. His inspiration came from another professional athlete. Only it wasn’t another NFL great like you’d think. It was the late Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.
Bryant was one of the few players drafted straight out of high school by the NBA. His insane athletic capabilities were a big reason for that. That said, it didn’t take long to realize the guy was wired differently from most players. His practice habits were legendary. Nobody put in more hours. He even got into fights with teammates because they didn’t do the same.
Rome Odunze has bought into a fundamental truth of sports.
The games become easy if you are the hardest on yourself in practice. Games are like a reward. That is how many athletes from previous generations talk. They spoke of practices being hell. They couldn’t wait for the games. Odunze sounds like another of those types. It would explain why he’s always able to perform, regardless of the circumstances or the opponent. He is prepared. He’s gone through every possible scenario in his head a thousand times. That makes it almost impossible to catch him off guard on game days. Just like Kobe.
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Also, like Kobe, he may have to wait his turn. Bryant was trapped on a roster with established veterans ahead of him. Rome Odunze sits behind D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen at the moment. If he wants playing time, it will be earned. Bryant didn’t start until his third season. That drove him to work even harder. When his time finally came, he was ready. Odunze will be the same. He’ll get snaps every week but won’t be the primary target as a rookie. That will come once the Bears know they can trust him.
99% accurate article! Last sentence is flawed, thus -1%. They already trust him. Believe it.
Odunze won’t have to fight half as hard as Eric would like us to believe. There is little question he will start the season as WR#3 ahead of any other receiver on this roster, and he will see plenty of opportunities to prove he is capable of being just as proficient as DJ Moore or Kenen Allen when called upon. If anything, what he already offers to the organization is not being discussed very much, having R Odunze definitely gives R Poles and the Bears leverage in all WR contract negotiations going into 25 and beyond, especially if pushes both… Read more »
The “I have something to prove”, chip on the shoulder, killer, assassin mentality that Kobe had just like his idol, MJ, drove him to stardom..
That drive and commitment to be the best of the best are what separates great players from terrific athletes.
Bears fans look forward to Odunze having a career as good as or better than Keenan Allen.
So go out and earn your targets, Rome! Show that you are a legit #1 WR who doesn’t just get yards but scores. Be an NFL version of Kobe.
Having a Kobe Bryant isn’t bad for someone to model yourself after. Just be careful to latch onto Kobe’s intellect as well.
Kobe and Kevin Garnett were two very mature high school kids.