Sign of the times: NFL player’s dad doesn’t hold back on social media about son’s situation with the Bears

The Chicago Bears outgunned the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, securing their fifth win in the last six games. Despite the high-scoring nature of the matchup, second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze finished the game without a catch for the first time in his NFL career.

Odunze admits key opportunity vs Bengals

That was partly his own doing, as Odunze acknowledged after the game. The 23-year-old said he “could definitely make” one pass that was headed his way in the end zone, but the ball ricocheted off his hands before he could bring it in.

James Odunze calls out Bears on social media

However, Odunze’s father, James Odunze, believes the Bears aren’t making the most of his son’s talents, at least judging by his social media activity after the win over the Bengals.

After watching Chicago target his son only three times in Week 9, Odunze Sr. reposted a message on X that urged the team to “trade Rome Odunze to a team that will actually throw to him.”

He did the same with other messages that read: “Rome Odunze should be seeing at least 10 targets per game. This is insane,” and “People talk about Rome Odunze on this app like he killed an immediate family member of theirs. Why do you guys hate your best player?”

Odunze distances himself from father’s comments

The posts didn’t go unnoticed by fans or Chicago media. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rome Odunze played it safe when asked whether he agreed with his father’s criticism of the Bears’ offense.

“I don’t make a big deal out of it,” the wide receiver said. “Obviously, he has his opinions, and I have mine. And he feels like he needs to voice those things on social media. That’s his prerogative. But he speaks for himself. I speak for myself.”

Odunze leads Bears in receiving stats

Despite his father’s frustrations, Odunze has been a key figure in Chicago’s offense. He leads the team in targets (59), receiving yards, and touchdowns, which suggests he isn’t being ignored by his teammates.

And the player himself seems more than content with his role.

“I’m happy,” Odunze said. “I’m just trying to do my job within this organization as a leader, as a person, as an individual, and then as a football player. So, trying to excel at a Hall of Fame level in those aspects. That’s all I’m focused on.”

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