Bears’ Rome Odunze Playfully Takes Shot at New Teammate: ‘I Hate Him’

Rome Odunze is likely in line for a breakout season, as long as Colston Loveland doesn’t steal all of his catches.

The Chicago Bears‘ second-year wide receiver jokingly said he hated Loveland at a press conference over the weekend, but don’t worry Bears fans he was kidding.

Loveland, the Michigan tight end who Chicago selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, expects to bolster the Bears passing offense, which finished 31st in the NFL in passing-yards per game (181.5).

Odunze, a first-round pick in 2024, had 734 yards and three touchdowns a season ago. He brought in 54 catches on 101 targets a year ago.

Why Did Rome Odunze Say He ‘Hates’ Coltson Loveland?

Odunze doesn’t really hate Loveland. He’s just envious of the the Michigan tight end.

Odunze and Loveland squared off in the 2024 FBS National Championship Game, with Odunze representing the University of Washington. The Wolverines topped the Huskies 34-13, and Loveland had three catches for 64 yards in the championship game.

“Michigan guy. I can’t stand him,” Odunze said.

Aside from the national title, Loveland also earned a more lucrative guaranteed contract — with a bigger signing bonus — than that of Odunze, despite the fact he went ninth overall a year ago.

“He’s got the ring on me,” Odunze said. “He got his signing bonus the other day. That guy’s got everything.”

Once the laughter cleared, Odunze explained why he is happy to have Loveland on his side.

“He’s great,” Odunze said. “Great hands. Very agile. Can block. He can do everything you desire from a tight end, so [I’m] really looking forward to his development and the year he’s going to have.”

Aside from the tangible skills Loveland brings, Odunze has also appreciated Loveland’s off-the-field contribution and eagerness to learn about life in the NFL.

“He’s great in the locker room, great in the meeting room,” Odunze said. “He’s doing everything out there on the field he can. Now that he’s getting good reps out there, it’s been awesome to see.”

Odunze also saw Loveland’s singing skills at the rookie talent show, where the tight end sang the 2004 R&B classic “Let Me Love You” by Mario.

“He killed it,” Odunze said. “I wish that was on ‘Hard Knocks.'”

What Did Rome Odunze Say About Being WR1?

Odunze was drafted to eventually be the Bears’ No. 1 receiver. With Keenan Allen gone, Odunze expects to be the go-to guy for fellow second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

“I want to get the ball as early and as often as I can,” Odunze said. “As a playmaker, I feel like I have the ability to make this offense move and make explosive plays.”

With Odunze and Loveland, as well as veteran D.J. Moore and Luther Burden, a second-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, there are far more weapons in the Bears offense this year.

So even though “I want the ball every play,” according to Odunze, he spoke like a team player.

“I’ll play my role within the offense,” Odunze said. “Caleb’s a great quarterback who is going to be versatile with his weapons.

“Of course I want to be that No. 1 guy with [Williams], but we have a bunch of playmakers on the field that he’s going to do a good job with.”