Throughout the NFL draft process, Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze was one of the most popular players among fans and draft analysts alike thanks to his on-field play and likable personality.
Before the NFL, that combination led to him signing an NIL deal with the trading card company Panini America in the summer before the 2023 season.
Now that Odunze’s journey to the NFL is complete after being selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 9 overall pick, Panini detailed his football career as they highlight their “Rated Rookies,” a group that also includes quarterback Michael Penix Jr..
One moment that the All-American keyed in on was his 8-catch, 128-yard, 2-touchdown performance against the Oregon Ducks, where he played through a broken rib and punctured lung.
“That game will always be engrained in my head,” Odunze said. “That was everything I dreamed of and wanted in college football. A packed stadium, rivalry game, the tension doesn’t get higher than that.”
“The overall environment is something I’ll never forget and being able to seal the game with that touchdown before the defense came out and made that stop, it’s a moment that I can replay in my head and I’ll cherish forever.”
Odunze etched his name in Washington’s record books during his final season. His 1,640 receiving yards were the most by any Husky in a single season, finishing his career No. 2 in receiving yards with 3,272, behind only Reggie Williams. He also finished No. 2 all-time in receptions (214) and tied for No. 3 in touchdowns (24).
As he moves to the next level, there are lots of big expectations around him. Combined with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, the two Pac-12 products could form one of the best young quarterback-wide receiver combinations in the NFL on a Chicago offense that desperately needed an infusion of life.
From Vegas to Seattle and now Chicago, I’m grateful for my family being here through it all.
Looking forward to the next chapter! Thank you @paniniamerica for helping me tell my story. #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/73racUxHJR
— Rome Odunze (@RomeOdunze) May 16, 2024