Rome Odunze is Nigerian American that plays American football as a wide receiver. He was drafted in 2024 by the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies, where he was a consensus All-American and runner-up for the national championship in 2023.
The wide receiver says “Odunze” means “King’s Ivory” in Nigerian.
“My Nigerian heritage is something that really drives me to keep doing what I’m doing,” Odunze said. “African Americans sometimes don’t know where they come from. So, for me, I feel super blessed that I know where I come from, I know the village that my grandpa grew up in. It’s about honoring them.”
“I feel like we’ve been tremendously blessed and it’s my duty to keep uplifting the name, keep uplifting my grandfather for all that he’s done with my grandmother…and all those who came before.”
Odunze hopes to get back to Nigeria one day. He says his football schedule keeps him busy, but his heritage means everything to him.
His first name, Rome, comes from his father’s fascination with the Roman Empire.
“I think he was just fascinated with the Roman Empire and all that they were able to accomplish, their influence on society that’s carried on for generations. So, I appreciate it, I [think] it’s a cool name.”
“He’s a big history buff,” Odunze says. “His mind is super interesting, he’s a super intelligent dude.”
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