Bears turn Rome Odunze into Bob Ross for 2026 schedule release
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Rome Odunze smiles prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in January. Photo: Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
The Bears' Bob Ross-inspired schedule release video was no "happy accident."
Rome Odunze's giant afro made him the perfect choice to channel Bob Ross in the Bears' 2026 schedule release video.
The latest: The team tapped wide receiver Rome Odunze to unveil the 2026 schedule in a parody of "The Joy of Painting."
Context: The video, titled "Happy Little Matchups," parodies Ross' long-running PBS show "The Joy of Painting," with Odunze calmly painting each opponent onto a canvas.
NFL schedule-release videos have become a full-blown social media competition, with teams trying to outdo one another every offseason.
What they're saying: "This is my introduction into the acting world," Odunze tells Axios. "I'm hoping the talent scouts out there are watching this one."
- "I used to put Bob Ross on in the background sometimes to just relax," he added. "So I knew a little bit about it, some of his signature sayings."
Flashback: The Bears' social media team has built a reputation for creative schedule reveals.
- Last year's video featured actor and comedian Lamorne Morris in an action-packed romp with current and former Bears players.
- In 2024, the team produced a high school-themed spoof.
- In 2023, the Bears paid homage to FX's "The Bear."
Zoom out: Schedule release videos became an NFL phenomenon after the Seahawks unveiled opponents with cupcakes in 2016.
- According to The Athletic, the NFL now shares best practices and examples with teams ahead of schedule release day.
- "For the fans, it's kind of a big deal seeing who we're playing," Odunze adds. "But for me, regardless of who is on the schedule, I'm going out there trying to dominate. That's just the mindset."
The bottom line: The Bears have turned schedule release day into an annual showcase for the team's creativity — and this year's Bob Ross parody may be their best yet.