Former Cincinnati Bengals two-time All-Pro wide receiver and six-time Pro Bowler Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson has turned his attention to one of the Chicago Bears’ brightest young stars. After Chicago’s thrilling 47-45 win over Johnson’s former team, the outspoken NFL legend took to X to send a message directly to second-year wideout Rome Odunze. Johnson wrote:
“I need to work with Rome Odunze this offseason, young boul gone be special I just need 3 weeks…”
Chad Johnson Sends Plea to Work With Bears’ WR Rome Odunze: “I Just Need Three Weeks”
The plea instantly caught the attention of many NFL fans, uniting two generations of wide receiver stars. Johnson, who dominated for years in Cincinnati with his elite route-running and flair for dramatics, has been known for mentoring young pass catchers in recent years. His public call with Odunze not only shows how highly he regards the Bears’ young WR but also underscores the growing buzz around Chicago’s promising young offense.
Odunze’s Composure Shines Amid Father’s Comments and Growing Expectations
Johnson’s interest in Odunze comes at a time when the former first-round pick is already navigating the challenges of life in the NFL spotlight. The 22-year-old wideout recently faced questions about his father’s social media activity following Odunze’s zero-catch performance against the Bengals.
It started when one Bears fan tweeted out, “Can the bears trade Rome Odunze to a team that will actually throw to him,” and Odunze’s dad, James Odunze, quoted the tweet with a pin emoji.
To no one’s surprise, this became a huge topic of conversation, as Rome currently leads the team in targets. However, Rome handled the situation with remarkable poise.
“I don’t make a big deal out of it,” Odunze told reporters. “Obviously, he has his opinions, and I have mine. And he feels like he needs to voice those things on social media. That’s his prerogative. But he speaks for himself. I speak for myself.”
That maturity, combined with his flashes of excellence on the field, shows why veterans like Johnson see so much potential in the young receiver.
Even in a game where the stat sheet didn’t show it, Odunze found other ways to contribute. The Bears’ social media team highlighted his impact as a blocker, releasing a two-minute clip showcasing his physicality and willingness to do the dirty work.
Selfless. pic.twitter.com/nmwwNMJuqY
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 5, 2025
Odunze appreciated the recognition, calling it “an underappreciated aspect of wide receiver play” that he’s worked to excel at since entering the league.
With his combination of work ethic, humility, and leadership, Odunze has quickly become a fan favorite in Chicago. What his dad says on social media shouldn’t take away from the fact that Rome is his own person, and one the Bears organization has grown to love and appreciate.
It’ll be cool to see Ochocinco become a mentor and coach for Odunze, as it’ll only take his game to the next level.
Main Image: David Banks – Imagn Images
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