Breaking: Former President Obama Thanks Bears’ Rome Odunze for $60K Donation to Combat Hunger
In an inspiring act of generosity, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has pledged $60,000 to help fight hunger across the United States, catching the attention of former President Barack Obama.
Responding to Obama’s viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which highlighted the alarming number of Americans experiencing food insecurity, Odunze donated the substantial sum to the Northwest Harvest Food Bank, helping families in need throughout Illinois. The second-year player has quickly made a name for himself on the field and is now using his platform to make a significant impact off of it.
Obama shared Odunze’s story on his social media, expressing gratitude for the wide receiver’s selflessness. Obama’s post read, “Athletes like Rome remind us that true greatness isn’t just defined by your achievements on the field, but by what you give back to those in need.”
Odunze, who has become a key player in the Bears’ offense, was moved to support the campaign after learning about the extent of the hunger crisis in America. He said, “I know the struggles many families face. If I can use my position to make even a small difference in their lives, then that’s what I want to do.”
The viral video of Odunze visiting local schools and presenting his donation, accompanied by his girlfriend Talia Brooks’ heartfelt narration, has touched many. “He spends so much of his time training, watching film, and playing, but he always makes time for the community,” Brooks said through tears. “He may miss out on a few things with me, but he never misses a chance to make a kid’s day.”
Odunze’s commitment to community work extends beyond just this donation. He is also an active supporter of educational and mentorship programs for underserved youth in Chicago. His foundation aims to provide better opportunities for young people, empowering them to overcome adversity.
Teammates and fans have praised Odunze for his leadership, both on and off the field. Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields shared on X: “Rome’s heart is as big as his game. Proud of what he’s doing for our community.”
As Odunze continues to shine in both his athletic career and philanthropic efforts, his actions serve as a reminder that athletes have the power to create lasting change beyond the playing field.
Pat Surtain II Calls Out Broncos’ Issue Amid Team-Up With Rival Star
Denver Broncos star Pat Surtain II made a business decision and is joining fellow former Alabama star and cornerback Terrion Arnold of the Detroit Lions. The duo will be co-hosting a new podcast.
The news comes early in the season, with both teams 1-1.
Surtain, for one, has a good idea of what has gone wrong for the Broncos on his side of the ball over the first two weeks.
Pat Surtain II: Broncos ‘Try to be Superheroes’
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans.
Surtain said his “key to bouncing back is learning from your mistakes” and “failures” in an interview with RG.org’s DJ Siddiqi published on September 18. He also noted that they were barely into the season with plenty of “room to improve.”
He especially lamented the fashion in which the Broncos lost on the road to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
Surtain said they gave themselves a chance but “came up short,” and will “move on.”
Daniel Jones completing tight-window throws with Pat Surtain II as the primary defender. If you say that you expected this, you may be bending the truth a bit. pic.twitter.com/G26wmDb93a
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) September 15, 2025
Surtain said the Broncos need “all 11, just playing a role, doing their job,” to improve over last week. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year noted “great defenses” features players manning their “specific role the right way.”
The Broncos suffer from “lapses” and try to be “superheroes,” seeking big plays to change the game.
Surtain said that “affects the scheme, saying if they “do our job,” they will be successful.
Pat Surtain II on Week 2 Performance: ‘On Them Like White on Rice’
Surtain did not have the game that fans have grown accustomed to in Week 2, a 29-28 Broncos loss. He was charged with allowing seven catches for 63 yards on nine targets.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, Surtain tipped his cap to the Colts for making plays. He also overcame an ankle injury during the game.
However, he noted mental lapses as his biggest issue, and head coach Sean Payton agreed.
Really interesting evaluation of Pat Surtain II by Sean Payton. Said he’s challenged him with regards to picks, pulling up film. Said last year saw more mental discipline with covering non-elite wideouts.
“He’s extremely coachable. He wants to please. That’s a great trait.” pic.twitter.com/YGOQ59ztJG
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 2, 2025
“I think it [technique and scheme] goes hand in hand,” Surtain said when asked which was the issue on Sunday. “I’m not going to be up here and just credit them. I know what type of player I am. But there are some points where I thought my technique was a little lazy, knowing that I could have been better with my placement, my footwork. Knowing what certain routes was coming,” Surtain told reporters on September 17.
“They made some great throws, great catches. You know what I mean? I feel like I was on them like white on rice. Sometimes they just make good catches. But at the end of the day, it’s a lot to learn from, a lot to gain from that. You know what I mean? And it gives me a lot of motivation to make sure that I’m on point and I’m on queue.”
In Week 3, Surtain will have his hands full against the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert, whom Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called the likely “MVP” through two games.
Pat Surtain II Teaming Up With Lions CB Terrion Arnold
Surtain and Arnold have several things in common despite the Broncos and Lions playing in different conferences, most notably their school and position. Now, the former first-round draft picks are joining forces on a new football-related venture.
“Considering their backgrounds, it’s no surprise that the two are pairing up to form their first podcasts together called ‘Closed On Sundays,’” Siddiqi wrote for Forbes on September 18. “The weekly series will see the two share stories from an on-field perspective and behind the scenes, along with featuring weekly guests.”
Surtain told Siddiqi that the idea began with the production team and him, and they found “the right” partner in Arnold, whom he called “outspoken.”
As for himself, Surtain, whom Arnold called “instinctual,” said he would “talk a lot of intellect.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Surtain told Siddiqi. “Terry’s got a great personality. He’s a fan favorite in the media. To compare it with some football intellect with some football knowledge within me as well, it’s going to be great, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Surtain and Arnold will not face each other this season, and they will not square off until 2027, barring a Super Bowl run from the Broncos and Lions.
