A Look Into Rome Odunze: Heritage and Family

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze recently joined Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor on an episode of their podcast, “The Pivot.” Odunze shared details about the Combine, how he is preparing for the draft, and who he models his game after. He also talked about his family, the lessons he has learned from them, and how they have shaped who he is today.

“Rome Odunze”

The 21-year-old undoubtedly has a unique name. Many fans have heard commentators call him quite a few different variations of it. However, most fans don’t know the story behind his name. 

The wide receiver says “Odunze” means “King’s Ivory” in Nigerian. 

“My Nigerian heritage is something that really drives me to keep doing what I’m doing,” Odunze said. “African Americans sometimes don’t know where they come from. So, for me, I feel super blessed that I know where I come from, I know the village that my grandpa grew up in. It’s about honoring them.”

“I feel like we’ve been tremendously blessed and it’s my duty to keep uplifting the name, keep uplifting my grandfather for all that he’s done with my grandmother…and all those who came before.”

Odunze hopes to get back to Nigeria one day. He says his football schedule keeps him busy, but his heritage means everything to him.

His first name, Rome, comes from his father’s fascination with the Roman Empire. 

“I think he was just fascinated with the Roman Empire and all that they were able to accomplish, their influence on society that’s carried on for generations. So, I appreciate it, I [think] it’s a cool name.”

“He’s a big history buff,” Odunze says. “His mind is super interesting, he’s a super intelligent dude.”

His motivation to be successful

Odunze says much of his motivation to be great comes from how he was raised growing up.

The Huskies receiver shared that his grandfather served in the Civil War and came to America afterward to make a better life for his family. Although much changed when this happened, he still raised his kids with typical strict Nigerian beliefs.

“For me, there was never really a stress to make sure you’re a doctor or a lawyer, or anything like that. They just wanted me to be successful.”

“My pops always stressed to do the best you can do in every aspect of your life and for me, a lot of my life has been football or education. 

Summers in Provo, Utah: an educational experience

He says spending summers on his grandfather’s farm was “a lot of fun.” However, he also learned a great deal from his experiences. 

Odunze says farming was “no joke” and recalls his grandfather waking up at 5:00 am and working [at] 11:00 at night.”

“It’s just different. The work is the work and there is no room for excuses or else the whole thing crumbles. So, being there with him, working on that farm and just having to do the work was super humbling and super thought-provoking.”

“It taught me to grind, 100%”

Unfortunately, his grandfather suffered an accident while biking in 2016 that left him legally blind. He still listens to each of his games, though, and keeps up with the 2024 NFL Draft prospect’s athletic career. 

Odunze says “It really hurts,” but in the end, he is still alive and he is “grateful” for that, in an ESPN interview.

Check out the full interview here.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.