Rome Odunze Admits He Is Gunning For NFL Record
The Chicago Bears sweated things out during the 2024 draft as they waited to go back on the clock with the 9th overall pick. GM Ryan Poles knew who he wanted. It was all about Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. Nobody else mattered. He knew the New York Giants would take a wide receiver at #6. When the name Malik Nabers dropped, he breathed a sigh of relief. A few picks later, the Bears got their guy. Many experts agreed that Odunze might’ve been the most complete receiver in the class, which was saying something given the array of talent.
His rookie year didn’t pan out that way. Odunze had a respectable 700 yards but only three touchdowns. Some wondered if the team might’ve been better served going for a left tackle or some pass rush help. Oh, ye of little faith. Four games into the 2025 season, Odunze is 11th in the league with 296 receiving yards and ranks second with five touchdowns, already eclipsing his rookie year. He told Rich Eisen on his show that he’s grateful things have finally started clicking.
Odunze also admitted that his ultimate goal is to claim one of the most prestigious records in the NFL.
Rome Odunze is chasing one of the all-time greats.
The current touchdown record of 23 was set by Randy Moss in 2007. That was the iconic season where the New England Patriots went undefeated in the regular season and came a helmet catch away from a perfect record. It was a statement year for Moss, who many thought was washed up after getting traded from Oakland. Reaching that mark would be an insane accomplishment. Only two players in NFL history have crossed the 20 mark. The other was Jerry Rice. Rome Odunze would change the entire perspective about him if he joined their company.
Odds are it won’t happen. So many things must go right for a receiver to catch that many touchdowns. That said, Odunze is well-positioned to claim the Bears’ single-season record of 13. That was set in 1947. Just in case you needed some perspective on what is happening right now.