Rome Odunze Revealed Where His Obsessive Practice Habits Came From

Plenty of players reach the NFL thanks to their absurd athletic gifts. Rome Odunze is no different. Not many guys have 6'3 size and 4.4 speed. That alone would've gotten him drafted. However, to go #9 overall required more. It required work. The Washington standout did something a lot of college receivers don't. He forced himself to become a legitimate route runner. That came from some of the most obsessive practice routines that players his edge never come close to. It was one of the biggest reasons the Chicago Bears drafted him.

It is always interesting to find out where these habits came from. Caleb Williams said his father helped teach him the necessity of hard work. Odunze is a little different. His inspiration came from another professional athlete. Only it wasn't another NFL great like you'd think. It was the late Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.

Bryant was one of the few players drafted straight out of high school by the NBA. His insane athletic capabilities were a big reason for that. That said, it didn't take long to realize the guy was wired differently from most players. His practice habits were legendary. Nobody put in more hours. He even got into fights with teammates because they didn't do the same.

Rome Odunze has bought into a fundamental truth of sports.

The games become easy if you are the hardest on yourself in practice. Games are like a reward. That is how many athletes from previous generations talk. They spoke of practices being hell. They couldn't wait for the games. Odunze sounds like another of those types. It would explain why he's always able to perform, regardless of the circumstances or the opponent. He is prepared. He's gone through every possible scenario in his head a thousand times. That makes it almost impossible to catch him off guard on game days. Just like Kobe.

Also, like Kobe, he may have to wait his turn. Bryant was trapped on a roster with established veterans ahead of him. Rome Odunze sits behind D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen at the moment. If he wants playing time, it will be earned. Bryant didn't start until his third season. That drove him to work even harder. When his time finally came, he was ready. Odunze will be the same. He'll get snaps every week but won't be the primary target as a rookie. That will come once the Bears know they can trust him.