What the Chicago Bears Are Getting in DE Dayo Odeyingbo: ‘This Dude Wants to Be Remembered’

The Chicago Bears’ recent addition of defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo has fans and analysts buzzing. With a blend of size, athleticism, and relentless work ethic, Odeyingbo isn’t just another pass rusher—he’s a rising star determined to leave a legacy. As one coach put it, “This dude wants to be remembered.”

That quote encapsulates the mindset Odeyingbo brings to Chicago, and it frames the expectations surrounding what he can contribute to a team looking to reestablish its defensive identity. This in-depth profile will explore Odeyingbo’s background, his strengths on the field, how he fits into the Bears’ system, and why his arrival could be a turning point for the franchise.

A Quick Look at Dayo Odeyingbo’s Journey

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Irving, Texas, Dayo Odeyingbo was a standout high school athlete who caught the attention of college scouts early with his freakish frame and explosiveness. He eventually committed to Vanderbilt University, where he played four seasons and evolved into one of the SEC’s most disruptive defensive linemen.

College Development at Vanderbilt

Despite playing on an underdog team in a powerhouse conference, Odeyingbo consistently stood out. His versatility allowed him to line up both on the edge and inside, making him a chess piece for defensive coordinators. His combination of burst, hand usage, and leverage made him a constant headache for SEC offensive lines.

He finished his college career with:

• 125 total tackles
• 31 tackles for loss
• 12 sacks
• Countless pressures and hurries that don’t show up on the stat sheet

Odeyingbo’s relentless motor and technique drew comparisons to veteran NFL linemen, and his draft stock climbed steadily.

Overcoming Injury: A Testament to Grit

One of the defining moments of Odeyingbo’s career came when he suffered a torn Achilles just months before the NFL Draft. Many questioned whether his career might be delayed or even derailed. But in typical Odeyingbo fashion, he attacked his rehab with intensity.

He was eventually drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and returned to action during his rookie season. Though he was still shaking off rust, he made his presence felt—logging pressures, setting the edge against the run, and earning the respect of coaches across the league.

Now healthy and more explosive than ever, Odeyingbo’s arrow is pointing straight up.

Physical Traits That Set Him Apart

Odeyingbo stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 276 pounds, with a wingspan that seems to stretch from sideline to sideline. But he’s far more than just measurables.

Explosiveness and Speed

Off the snap, Odeyingbo is lightning quick. His first-step burst allows him to penetrate gaps before offensive linemen can even set their feet. This is a trait the Bears have lacked in recent years—a true edge presence who can disrupt plays before they develop.

Strength and Leverage

Thanks to his length and core strength, he’s adept at stacking and shedding blockers. He doesn’t just speed-rush around the corner—he can bull-rush tackles into the quarterback or knife inside to collapse the pocket.

Versatility

Perhaps his greatest asset is his ability to move across the line. He’s capable of playing in multiple fronts, whether it’s as a 4-3 defensive end, a 3-4 edge rusher, or even sliding inside on third down to rush over a guard.

The Mentality: “This Dude Wants to Be Remembered”

According to sources within the Bears organization, one of the reasons they pursued Odeyingbo was not just his talent—but his mindset.

Work Ethic and Leadership

Odeyingbo is the kind of player who’s first in the building and last to leave. Coaches at Vanderbilt, Indianapolis, and now in Chicago all echo the same sentiment: he studies like a quarterback, lifts like a lineman, and leads like a captain.

He holds himself and his teammates to a high standard. In a recent interview, he said:

“I want to be remembered not just as a good player, but as someone who changed the game every time he stepped on the field.”

High Football IQ

Beyond physical tools, Odeyingbo possesses an advanced understanding of offensive schemes and blocking tendencies. He studies film religiously, often texting coaches late at night with observations or asking for more tape.

A Perfect Fit in Chicago’s Defensive Scheme

The Bears under head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Eric Washington are building a defense that relies on pressure, aggression, and positional versatility—exactly the kind of system Odeyingbo thrives in.

Bolstering a Young, Hungry Defensive Line

With young players like Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, and Montez Sweat already in the fold, adding Odeyingbo gives the Bears a deeper rotation and a higher ceiling for their pass rush.

He’s expected to play a significant role in passing situations, with potential to earn a starting job if he continues to impress in camp.

Leadership Role

Despite being a newer face in Chicago, Odeyingbo’s voice is already being heard. He’s taken on a leadership role in positional meetings and on the practice field—exactly what the Bears were looking for in terms of locker room culture.

What the Stats Say: Production and Projection

Even when not racking up sacks, Odeyingbo affects games. He generated 46 total pressures in his most recent full season, according to Pro Football Focus. These numbers may not jump off the page, but advanced metrics tell the full story.

Pass Rush Win Rate

Odeyingbo’s pass rush win rate ranked in the top 20% among defensive linemen in his draft class, a key indicator of his ability to beat his man consistently.

Run Defense Grade

He’s also an above-average run defender, with a knack for diagnosing zone blocking schemes and stuffing plays before they break the line of scrimmage.

Projection for 2024 Season

If he stays healthy, Odeyingbo could easily post:

• 8–10 sacks
• 15+ tackles for loss
• Dozens of pressures and hurries

Those are Pro Bowl-level numbers, especially if the Bears’ defensive front takes a collective step forward.

Fans’ Reaction and Excitement

Chicago fans are known for their passion, especially when it comes to defense. The franchise’s identity has always been rooted in tough, physical, game-changing defenders—from Mike Singletary to Brian Urlacher to Khalil Mack.

Odeyingbo’s Arrival Sparks Buzz

When news broke of Odeyingbo joining the team, fan forums and social media lit up with optimism. The phrase “monstrous potential” was used more than once. And rightly so—the Bears might have just landed a player who becomes a foundational piece for years to come.

Dayo Odeyingbo is not just a gifted athlete. He’s a technician. A film junkie. A student of the game. And most importantly, a player with the fire to build a legacy in one of the most storied football cities in the world.

For the Chicago Bears, adding Odeyingbo isn’t just a move for 2024—it’s a declaration of intent. This franchise is serious about returning to dominance on defense, and Odeyingbo could be the catalyst.

As he said himself: “I want to be remembered.”

If his track record is any indication, Chicago fans will be saying his name for years to come.