History of Rome Odunze in Timeline

Rome Odunze is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted ninth overall in 2024 after a successful college career at the University of Washington, where he earned All-American honors and helped the Huskies become national championship runners-up in 2023.

June 3, 2002: Birth of Rome Odunze

Rome Odunze was born on June 3, 2002, in Orem, Utah.

2019: Gatorade Football Player of the Year

In 2019, Rome Odunze was named the state's Gatorade Football Player of the Year as a senior in high school after recording 54 catches for 1,222 yards and 15 touchdowns.

2020: Freshman Season at Washington

Rome Odunze played in all four games as a true freshman at Washington in 2020 and had six receptions for 72 yards.

2021: Sophomore Season at Washington

As a sophomore in 2021, Rome Odunze started seven of nine games, recording 41 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns.

2022: Led the Pac-12 in Receiving Yards

In 2022, Rome Odunze led the team in receiving yards with 1,145, the fifth-most in single-season history for Washington. He also led the Pac-12 in receiving yards and was second in receptions per game.

2022: Junior Season at Washington

Rome Odunze returned to Washington as a starter in 2022.

September 30, 2023: Injury Against University of Arizona

On September 30, 2023, Rome Odunze recovered an onside kick from University of Arizona kicker Tyler Loop and absorbed a hit from safety Dalton Johnson. He revealed later that season that he had suffered a broken rib and punctured lung on the play then played with these ailments during the season.