While the Chicago Bears are currently rolling, there has been one consistent hiccup when it comes to the team's star receiver. Rome Odunze himself has had no clear issues with 473 yards and five touchdowns in what has been a great start to the 2025 season; however, it is clear that not all of Odunze's camp feels that way, with the star receiver's father making his discontent clear by reposting questionable social media posts.
On Sunday, Odunze's father, James, hinted on social media that he wouldn't mind his son being traded to another team. This was followed by another repost about the receiver needing at least 10 targets each game. A few days after his father's comments, Odunze is doing his best to create some distance, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.
""I don't make a big deal out of it... 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."Rome Odunze
Odunze is making it clear that the actions of his father don't reflect his outlook after one bad game. The Bears' top playmaker is at the top of the leaderboard in every meaningful stat for the Bears, and clearly is the top of their priority list. One bad game isn't going to shake the young pass-catcher, even if it is creating a bit of a distraction.
Rome Odunze Rightfully Distances Himself from Dad's Comments
This is far from the first time that the elder Odunze has made waves, having a history of calling out quarterback Caleb Williams last year. If his son isn't getting the football enough, you can bet that there is going to be an angry social media post or repost coming.
There was even one instance where James Odunze claimed that his son would have at least 1,500 receiving yards in 2024 had he been with any other NFC North franchise. Even though the Bears' WR later said his father's comments were "not from a disbelief in this team," it's hard to believe otherwise.
With all of this in mind, Bears fans should have a healthy sense of apprehension when it comes to the future of the star receiver. Creating drama after a win is a clear message that Odunze's father is only going to be happy when his son is the star of the offense. This is a major concern for a franchise whose star player has his family making waves even when he is at the center of the offense and playing well.
This begs the question of what his dad's reaction will look like if Odunze has a down stretch. Even the best receivers in the league have times of lesser production or face a defense that forces the ball to go elsewhere. Chicago fans have to keep this in mind and be slightly alarmed by the fact that the star's father is already openly supporting the idea of a trade.
We are not even halfway through Odunze's rookie contract, and already his quarterback has been thrown under the bus and a trade has been suggested. There is no way around how unneeded this drama is and how concerning it is moving forward, with the last thing the Bears need is for a rift to be created just because Odunze Sr. can't keep his mouth shut.
Eventually, the franchise must decide if the juice is worth the squeeze.
Hopefully, Odunze can convince his father to take a step back and perhaps not share his thoughts so openly. In a season where the Bears are in playoff positioning and the 23-year-old stud is by far the leading receiver, now isn't the time to be making waves.
The fact that this is even a story is a step beyond concerning, as the Bears will eventually have to extend Odunze in the near future. His father must understand it is time to take a step back, or the distraction and frustration will continue, which could leave Odunze's future in the Windy City up in the air.