Caleb Williams believes he, Rome Odunze are in 'a pretty good spot'

Chicago Bears have a chance to boast a dynamic duo in the upcoming season. In June, quarterback Caleb Williams broke down his connection with rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze.

“Rome and I, we started building a connection early on because we also knew that there was a possibility for us to be on the same team and build this thing together,” Williams said. “Building that trust and bond from there so that we both can push each other and when it’s time to laugh and joke, it’s time to laugh and joke.

“But, when we’re out there on the field, whether we’re in the film room, ITC, on the field, game days, whatever the case may be, it’s time to build on that aspect of our connection and relationship. So, it’s been a pleasure, a joy.”

The Bears selected Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team drafted Odunze only eight picks later. On paper, Williams and Odunze should be a dangerous pair.

In the 2022 campaign at USC, Williams threw for 4,537 yards, ran for 382 yards and totaled 50 touchdowns — 40 in the air and 10 on the ground. He was named the Heisman Trophy winner for his efforts.

In 2023, Williams could not replicate his outlandish success but he still was a star on the field. He threw for 3,633 passing yards and 30 touchdowns to go with 11 rushing scores.

In his final season at Washington, Odunze reeled in 92 receptions for a career-high 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. Propelled forward by Odunze’s fantastic play, the Huskies made their first national championship in the College Football Playoff era.

Now, Williams and Odunze will look to combine their talents at the next level. They have a tall task ahead of them. The Chicago Bears have not had a winning season since 2018 when they went 12-4 in the regular season before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs.

Last season, the Bears posted a 7-10 record, a significant improvement from the team’s 3-14 mark during their first year under head coach Matt Eberflus in 2022. Odunze is excited to take the field with Caleb Williams.

“We’re both coming in as rookies, trying to do our best to get involved with the culture with this organization, and be the best team that we can possibly be,” Odunze said. “I think he’s doing that tremendously, and I think I’m trying my best at it, as well.

“So it’s something that takes time, and takes energy from both parties, to be able to get done, but I couldn’t say one or the other. I think we’re both just trying our best, for sure.”