Rome Odunze, the Bears' new receiver and No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft, shares his emotions on being drafted by Chicago and his thoughts on joining new teammate and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
NFL Draft Postcards: Rome Odunze | Thursday, April 25
As told to Gabby Hajduk
I thought I was prepared for this moment — crossing the NFL Draft stage — but I don't know if you can ever be fully prepared, so it's still surreal.
I don't even know if it's hit me yet that I was drafted by the Chicago Bears, my favorite team as a kid. I'm just living on cloud nine tonight.
I'm just excited for a new environment, a change of scenery. I had been in college at Washington for four years, so I'm super excited to go play at a new spot for such a passionate fanbase in a city that's very special with a great set of players and coaches.
Playing with Caleb Williams instead of against him is going to be amazing. We met up during our media tour and to feel his energy and excitement, that's exactly what we're going to bring to Chi-town. We're going to get right to work, put in that work to have a lot of success and bring great things to Chicago. Caleb is gonna be my guy for a long time.
Caleb and I had a throwing session last week in L.A. and man, he can put the ball anywhere on the field from any position. I had the opportunity to watch him from the opposite sideline in college, so I know how special he is and how he is able to make a play from every situation.
I'm excited to be scrambling around for 10 seconds before he throws the ball downfield.
I want to say thank you to Bears fans for this opportunity and for the support. I'm joining something that has a legacy, something that is very historic. I can't wait to add historic things of my own to that resume.
And to my new teammates and coaches, I appreciate y'all boys. I hope y'all are excited because I can't wait to get to work with y'all. I'm coming in to soak up all the information that I can and learn from everyone in the building. Let's go get after it.
Bear Down and see you soon, Chicago!
- Rome Odunze
