One thing they say about high-level competitors is they always find a way to take things personally. It isn’t because they’re predisposed to hate other people. It is because they feel a twisted need for disrespect. That is how they find the motivation to get the most from their ability. Michael Jordan was that way. Kobe Bryant was that way. Tom Brady was that way. It sounds like Rome Odunze is that way too. The new Chicago Bears wide receiver may come across as a calm, intelligent, and well-spoken young man. Don’t be fooled. The guy feeds off of criticism.
His coach at Washington, JaMarcus Shephard, knows that too well. He knew Odunze was always talented and driven. What he didn’t know was whether he could become a complete wide receiver. That usually doesn’t happen until they get to the NFL. Not Odunze. He was determined to refine his game to perfection by the end of his college career. Unlike many, he eventually accomplished this. Not only was he a terrific one 50-50 balls, but his route running had also made huge strides. The origin of this improvement? It was whispered criticisms from NFL scouts. Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune had more.
I knew the size and speed aspect of it was also going to come. He was deceptively faster than a lot of guys on the field who we were going against. But he’s also big enough that he can bully you at the point of attack. And as he felt NFL scouts starting to say, “Hey, he wasn’t creating enough separation. He needs to find a way to catch more 50-50 balls. We’re getting (our receivers) too open,” he realized that was going to have to become a part of his game to be a high- level receiver. And he strengthened that.
This is a guy who lives off of negative energy. The more he absorbs, the better he plays. If the Bears are smart, they will find clever ways to slip him perceived slights from various people as his career unfolds. Whatever it takes to get him going. This is exactly what GM Ryan Poles wanted. It can’t just be about talent when you draft. If you want to win championships, you will need elite competitors who are never satisfied with the status quo. Getting better is all that matters.
Even better is the reality that this coming year may serve to motivate him more than most. Why? It is because he won’t be the #1 target in the passing game. Or even the #2, for that matter. Those spots will be held by D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. Not being the primary target is sure to make Rome Odunze work harder than ever. While he may respect those two for their accomplishments, it doesn’t change the fact that he demands the best from himself. He’s going to get the football, regardless of who’s in his way.
