Interview with Chicago Bears’ Wide Receiver Rome Odunze
In an exciting interview with NBC Chicago’s Mike Berman, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze sat down to discuss a variety of topics, including his new signature hot dog, his emotions before his first NFL game, and his close bond with quarterback Caleb Williams. Here is the complete interview where Odunze opened up about his journey from college football to the NFL, reflecting on both his personal growth and the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
Mike Berman: Thanks for giving us a few minutes, Rome.
Rome Odunze: Yeah, appreciate it.
Mike Berman: First things first—we’ve got to talk about the most important thing: your hot dog! How do you feel about it after watching back the tape?
Rome Odunze: I thought it was pretty good. You know, there are always little things to improve, but I’m happy with it. Definitely need to get back in the lab for a few tweaks.
Mike Berman: It’s called the Odun Doug—a jalapeno cheddar dog with Italian beef, giardiniera, and spicy Chicago sauce. Are you a fan of spicy food?
Rome Odunze: I do like a little bit of spice, for sure. You’ve got to be careful with the timing, especially before practice, so it doesn’t upset your stomach, but yeah, I like it.
Mike Berman: Did you try it yourself?
Rome Odunze: Yeah, I did! I thought it was pretty good. The picture online doesn’t do it justice—it looked terrible online—but in real life, it was great.
Mike Berman: Next Sunday, it’ll be exactly eight months since the national championship game, the last meaningful game you played in. What’s going through your mind as you get ready to start your NFL career?
Rome Odunze: I’m super excited. This has been part of the process and the plan. I’ve been grinding since the day I got here, so this will be a special moment. But at the same time, I’m treating it as another game, another opportunity to show what we’ve got.
Mike Berman: Do you think you’ll take a moment to look around and soak it all in?
Rome Odunze: Definitely. I’ll probably take a couple of glances at the stadium, especially since I know it’s going to be packed for the first game. I’ll take it in, but then I’ll be ready to go.
Mike Berman: Will your family be there to watch?
Rome Odunze: Yeah, my mom, dad, and brother will be there, along with some extended family.
Mike Berman: What’s the grind been like through rookie camp, OTAs, and training camp?
Rome Odunze: It’s definitely been a grind. When you said eight months, I thought, “Wow, that’s a long time,” but it feels like I was just playing football yesterday. The schedule has been hefty, but it’s been a blessing to have the support around me and to take each day as it comes.
Mike Berman: How’s the adjustment to the NFL been for you?
Rome Odunze: It’s definitely hard—this is the NFL. The competition and attention to detail rise. But nothing has been out of control or unexpected. You make the necessary adjustments and keep improving, but the competition is always there.
Mike Berman: You’ve had Caleb Williams by your side for a while. How has your relationship evolved during this time?
Rome Odunze: It’s been awesome. On the field, we’ve built a strong connection, and off the field, we hang out, play cards, and go to dinner. Caleb’s a great guy with a lot of energy, and it’s been fun building that relationship.
Mike Berman: What’s the vibe you get from Chicago and Bears fans when you’re out and about?
Rome Odunze: Energy. That’s the best word I can use. Everyone is excited about the upcoming season, and there’s a lot of reason to be excited with the talent we have on this team.
Mike Berman: When you and Caleb are together, do you talk about the big goals you have for your time with the Bears?
Rome Odunze: Oh yeah, definitely. We talk about it a lot—things like winning Super Bowls and creating a winning culture. We even talk about the new stadium and what we could accomplish together.
Mike Berman: Is it important to have those lofty goals to chase?
Rome Odunze: Absolutely. It was a lofty goal just to think we’d make it to the NFL when we first started playing. So keeping those big goals in mind is crucial, even if they seem distant. It helps shape your everyday process.
Mike Berman: How prepared do you feel for Week 1 of your rookie season?
Rome Odunze: I think I’m ready. I’ve had time to train, learn from my teammates, and compete against one of the best defenses in the league. I’m excited to experience the real deal in a game setting.
Mike Berman: You’ve had the chance to train alongside Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. What have you learned from them?
Rome Odunze: It’s been amazing. I’ve learned so much from watching how they work and prepare. I feel blessed to have them in my room, and I try to emulate their play and work ethic.
Mike Berman: How do you feel about the way the offense has grown with Caleb coming in during the offseason?
Rome Odunze: The growth has been tremendous. When we first started, things were a little sloppy as we were all learning a new offense. But now, we’re firing on all cylinders, making plays, and finding little ways to improve every day.
Mike Berman: Going back to your connection with Caleb, thinking about that throw-and-catch at Soldier Field, how does that illustrate the chemistry you’ve built?
Rome Odunze: It’s a great example. That play showed our ability to make something happen in the moment. We hope to keep doing that while executing within the offense.
Mike Berman: What are your goals for your rookie season?
Rome Odunze: I’m still setting my numbers, but right now, my team goals are bigger than my individual goals. I just want to do everything I can to help this team win.
Mike Berman: What’s the feeling inside the locker room as you get ready for the season?
Rome Odunze: It’s family in there. We hold each other accountable and set high expectations for one another. We all want to do our best and respect each other for doing our jobs. When we do that, everything comes together.
