Beef rarely exists between players on the same team. It happens. Sometimes it’s how each of them approaches the game. Other times, it is starkly different personalities. On a few occasions, it could be the two have a complicated history with each other. One would think Rome Odunze has no reason to dislike Colston Loveland. The two didn’t grow up in the same circles. They didn’t even play in the same conference in college. Yet the wide receiver admitted he doesn’t care for the Chicago Bears’ newest addition.
Why?
It all boils down to last year’s national championship game, in which Loveland’s Michigan Wolverines defeated Oduze’s Washington Huskies. The receiver admitted that the loss still stings and probably always will. While he doesn’t truly hate Loveland as a person or player, there is a sour taste in his mouth that the tight end was instrumental in costing him a ring.
“He’s a baller, man. I hate him, though. Michigan guy — I can’t stand him, man. Naw, I’m just playing. He’s got the ring on me. He got his signing bonus the other day. That guy’s got everything, I’m telling you. It’s ridiculous.”
Loveland had 63 yards on three catches in that game. His 41-yard catch and run in the 4th quarter set up a Michigan touchdown that took a 20-13 score to 27-13. It was backbreaking for Washington, and Odunze likely knew it.
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Rome Odunze is likely relieved to have him as a teammate this time.
It is important to note that he could not argue with the Bears’ decision to draft Loveland. He admitted the tight end has every tool you can imagine. Undoubtedly, he will be lethal in Ben Johnson’s new offense. However, it will come with a slight cost. This means that Rome Odunze must compete with him to get targets. That and their history from that national title game might create just enough competitive juice to make each of them better. One thing is certain. If they both live up to their massive potential, this offense will be the bane of the entire NFL within the next two or three years. It is easily the most talented the organization has pieced together in a decade. Maybe Loveland can pay him back by helping win a Super Bowl.
