Rome Odunze defuses tension created by dad's social media criticism of Bears offense: 'I speak for myself'
The Chicago Bears erupted for 47 points in a last-second win over the Cincinnati Bengals this past weekend. Six different Bears players recorded a reception, including quarterback Caleb Williams. The team's leading receiver, Rome Odunze, wasn't part of that bunch.
Odunze's father took issue with his son's limited involvement, reposting criticism of Chicago's offense on X and making new posts, one of which affirmed Pro Football Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison Sr.'s candid critique of the Arizona Cardinals offense his son Marvin Harrison Jr. plays in.
Rome Odunze defused any tension his father's social media activity created, making it clear to reporters Thursday that his father's comments aren't representative of his own feelings, much like Harrison Jr. did after catching a career-high seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown on "Monday Night Football" against the Dallas Cowboys.
"I don't make a big deal out of it," Odunze said, per ESPN. "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 was targeted a season-low three times during the roller-coaster victory in Cincinnati. He went without a catch for the first time this season, although he dropped a pass from tight end Cole Kmet on the Bears' first drive, and Odunze admits he could have reeled in a tipped toss to the end zone from Williams later on.
In the wake of the win, the Bears' fifth in their past six games, James Odunze reposted a poster who suggested that his son Rome should be getting at least 10 targets per game. Rome has been targeted 10 or more times in just two of his eight games this season.
James also reposted an Oct. 19 post from a user who lobbied for the Bears to "trade Rome Odunze to a team that will actually throw to him."He then quote posted a pin emoji on that post.
Additionally, he reposted a Cardinals media member sharing the ESPN article that included Harrison Sr.'s head-turning interview. After that, James posted "Good for Sr." above a graphic that pulled Harrison Sr.'s quote about it being "very hard" for him to watch the Cardinals' offense.
Continuing his Monday social media marathon, James posted a rundown of Rome's stats this season before declaring "STATS OVER NARRATIVES."
Rome, however, remains team-first, just as he has been since the Bears selected him with the No. 9 overall pick out of Washington in last year's draft.
I'm happy," Rome said Thursday, via The Athletic. I'm just trying to do my job within this organization - as a leader and as an individual and then as a football player.
"So [I'm] trying to excel at a Hall of Fame level in those aspects."
As for his father's social media activity, Rome said he's not bothered by having to answer for it at work.
"I'm pretty good at answering questions," he said, per The Athletic. "So, I don't mind it. Like I say, he has his opinions. And at the end of the day, he's a Rome fan. He's in full support of Rome Odunze. So that's first and foremost for him. But I love my Pops."