The Parents and Family Values Behind Rome Odunze Football Success

Rome Odunze parents, Necia Bunnell and James Odunze, helped shape the discipline and confidence that eventually carried him to the NFL. Born on June 3, 2002, Rome spent his early childhood in Utah before his family moved to the Las Vegas area. Long before football became his profession, his parents were already teaching him the value of hard work, education, and staying connected to his family roots. 

James and Necia came from very different backgrounds. James has Nigerian roots, while Necia grew up in Utah. Rome has often spoken proudly about both sides of his family and the different lessons he received from each parent. Their influence became an important part of the person he developed into, beyond football as well as the athlete fans know today.

James Odunze Inspired Rome’s Name and Connection to His Heritage

Rome’s father, James Odunze, has always had a strong interest in history. That fascination directly inspired his son’s unusual first name. Rome has explained that his father admired the Roman Empire and its lasting influence on civilization, which led him to choose the name Rome. 

James also helped Rome develop pride in his Nigerian heritage. Rome has spoken about wanting to honor the generations of his family that came before him and carry their values into his own life. His father encouraged him to take both education and football seriously rather than allowing athletic success to become his only priority. 

James has remained one of Rome’s most vocal supporters during his professional career. His support has occasionally become visible on social media, where he has defended his son when discussing the Chicago Bears and Rome’s role in the offense. Rome later explained that his father has always supported him strongly, even when the two may not agree on every opinion. 

Necia Bunnell Taught Rome the Value of Hard Work

Rome’s mother, Necia Bunnell, grew up around farming in Provo, Utah. Her family owned a dairy farm, and she made sure Rome experienced that environment during his childhood summers. Rome has said that farm work taught him that responsibilities could not simply be ignored because other people and animals depended on the work being completed.

Necia later built a career in real estate in Las Vegas. The work ethic she learned during her own upbringing became something she wanted to pass on to her son. Rome has credited those summers on the farm with helping him understand humility, persistence, and the importance of continuing to work even when a task is difficult. 

His parents also helped guide his football development. Rome attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, one of the country’s best-known high school football programs. He became Nevada’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year before joining the University of Washington, where he developed into one of college football’s top receivers. 

Rome’s success at Washington eventually led to the Chicago Bears selecting him ninth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although his talent created the opportunity, Rome has consistently connected his work ethic and values to his upbringing. The lessons from his mother’s farm background and his father’s emphasis on heritage and achievement remained part of his story as he entered professional football.