Wayne Bunnell, Rome Odunze’s grandpa, has spent his whole life on a humble farm. Rome, a wide receiver for the Washington Huskies, says he has always strived to follow his grandfather’s approach. A dedicated worker who wanted to do all he could for his family. Wayne Bunnell, Rome’s grandpa, is described in this manner.
Wayne liked working in the fields, and Rome enjoyed following his grandpa about the property. However, an injury forced Wayne to abandon his agricultural career. In a new ESPN video, Rome discusses his maternal grandpa and the influence he had on his life. The Bunnell family is overjoyed with Rome’s accomplishments, and even though Wayne cannot witness his grandson play on the field, the loud applause that follows after Rome’s name fills him with pride.
Wayne Bunnell, Rome Odunze’s Grandfather
Wayne Bunnell, Rome Odunze’s maternal grandpa, is a great influence on the Huskies player. ESPN recently investigated Rome and his connection with his grandpa. Previously, in an interview with 247Sports, Rome said that his grandpa, Wayne, taught him how to milk cows. He spent a big portion of his boyhood on the farms with his grandparents.
The ESPN video was shot on the day of the Sugar Bowl when the whole Bunnell was cheering for Rome and his squad. The football player is closer to his mother’s family, as seen by his mother’s social media name, Necia Bunnell. A young Rome is seen riding on his grandfather’s tractor in the video. He would spend his summers at his grandfather’s dairy farm, working alongside him. Necia explains in the film that her father sought to impart hard work in her from an early age in Rome. The player agrees with the notion and attributes his work ethic to his granddad.
Rome claims that his grandpa labored on the farm for a long time to make ends meet. Wayne prioritized his fitness while working on the farms, and after getting up at 4 a.m. and milking 80 cows, he would go on a 30-mile cycling ride.
Wayne Bunnell’s Accident
However, one occurrence altered Wayne’s life. He was in an accident and fell over the handlebars on August 4, 2016. Wayne hit his head and had a traumatic brain injury. Wayne was wearing a helmet at the time, but it couldn’t protect him from the crash owing to the speed.
Wayne claims in his interview that he has no recollection of the collision. Wayne lost his eyesight after the accident, and Necia claims that he had to give up farming and that it was a whole change of life. Wayne has never seen Rome play for the Huskies, but every time they play, he sits in his recliner and listens to Rome’s games. Wayne says in the film, “It’s neat to see him do well and accomplish a lot.” I adore him and am proud of him.”
James Odindu Odunze, Rome Odunze’s Paternal Grandfather
The Huskies athlete seems to be estranged from his father’s family. He has never mentioned his father in any of his prior interviews. However, a Facebook post by his uncle, Ikenna Odunze, throws some insight into his other relatives. Ikenna uploaded the Facebook post to brag about Rome’s sports accomplishments.
The tweet was made in 2018, while Rome was a member of his high school team, Bishop Gorman Gaels. He had broken the state record for receiving yards in a single game in Nevada. Ikenna said that Rome was following in the footsteps of his grandpa, Odindu Odunze, by achieving an athletic record. His grandfather’s sports accomplishments are unknown, although he has a Ph.D. Odindu Odunze, sometimes known as James Odunze, may have earned his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri. He has a Facebook profile but does not seem to be a frequent user of social media.
