The Chicago Bears’ 2025 campaign, once filled with optimism, has recently been overshadowed by internal drama — this time involving a key rookie and his family. The situation took a turn when Rome Odunze’s father, James Odunze, publicly expressed that his son might thrive more with another franchise, putting the Bears in an uncomfortable position just as their season gains traction.

What Sparked the Controversy

Screenshots circulating online show posts from an X (formerly Twitter) account believed to belong to James Odunze. In those messages, he hinted that his son deserves to play for a team that targets him more frequently, sparking immediate debate among fans and analysts.

Although Rome Odunze himself has remained silent, his father’s comments have quickly become a talking point — especially considering Odunze’s growing importance in Chicago’s offense.

Why This Could Be a Problem for Chicago

Team Chemistry: With a young quarterback–receiver pairing still finding its rhythm, any public trade talk could disrupt their developing connection.

Locker Room Stability: The Bears have shown noticeable improvement this season, but such distractions can easily shift focus away from the team’s progress.

Public Perception: When family members speak out, it can lead to speculation about locker room morale and the team’s overall culture.

Odunze’s Season So Far

Despite the off-field noise, Odunze has remained productive. Through nine games, he’s tallied 31 catches for 473 yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in target share per route run. These numbers suggest that, contrary to his father’s frustrations, the Bears have made him a focal point in the passing attack.

What Comes Next

The organization now faces the challenge of keeping this situation from becoming a larger distraction. Whether the Bears’ leadership decides to engage with James Odunze’s comments or simply let the issue fade remains to be seen.

Ultimately, how Rome Odunze responds will determine the outcome — he can either let the off-field drama affect him or use it as extra motivation to prove his value on the field.