Bears WR Rome Odunze gets new nickname from coach Ben Johnson

Rome Odunze is set for a bigger role in the 2026 NFL season with the Chicago Bears. He has embraced being the team’s WR1 and is raring to prove his worth further. The 24-year-old’s development has not gone unnoticed, and Ben Johnson gave him a new nickname.

Odunze entered the league as the No. 9 overall pick in 2024. The former Washington Huskies star enjoyed a strong collegiate career, spending four seasons with the program. He earned consensus All-American honors and and was the NCAA’s receiving yards leader in 2023. Odunze also received two first-team All-Pac-12 selections.

He appeared and started 12 regular-season games last year. Odunze recorded 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. With D.J Moore now with the Buffalo Bills, he will be among Caleb Williams’ top targets and will play even more snaps.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson praises Rome Odunze, gives him a new nickname

Johnson addressed the media on Wednesday. He spoke highly of Odunze, highlighting his consistency and giving him a new nickname.

“Mr. Consistency, Johnson said. “There’s this level of dialogue about his foot and all that, and yet he didn’t see any setback from that regard. I thought he looked completely healthy. I showed a highlight of him to the team just the other day, cracking one of the safeties in the joint practice. Just how that inspires me to not want to get him the football, but I need to get him the football when I see things like that.

“And so he’s doing all the little things, the things that maybe other people don’t notice. The coaching staff is very appreciative of because it’s going to help us win games. And so he’s going to be a key cog of what we do.”

Ben Johnson calls Bears WR Rome Odunze “Mr. Consistency.”

After showing the team film of Odunze’s performance in joint practice, Johnson said it “inspires [him] to not want to get him the football but NEED to get him the football.” pic.twitter.com/SRdu03GKVB

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) September 1, 2026

Odunze, Johnson and the Bears will commence their regular season on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers. They won the NFC North and reached the Divisional Round in 2025, and are looking to continue proving their doubters wrong.