Ex-Gorman teammates excited to face off in Raiders-Bears: ‘Pretty awesome’

Kyu Blu Kelly realizes a lifelong dream every time he steps on the field as an NFL player.

But some days are just a little bit better than others for the Raiders cornerback.

Sunday’s game against the Bears at Allegiant Stadium will be one such highlight. At some point Kelly, a Las Vegas native, will peek across the line of scrimmage and look directly in the eyes of Chicago wide receiver Rome Odunze.

The two will share a quick smile or nod before getting back to the business at hand. It’s still going to be a special matchup for both parties.

Kelly and Odunze were teammates at Bishop Gorman for three seasons from 2016 to 2018 before going their separate ways in college to Stanford and Washington, respectively. The fact that their first meeting in the pros will take place in the city they grew up in, with tons of friends and family in the stands, makes the reunion all the sweeter.

“We’ve been working for this moment, both of us, for our whole lives,” Kelly said. “Now we get a chance to showcase against each other on the biggest stage.”

Dreams come true

Kelly, 24, was a year ahead of Odunze, 23, in high school. He was picked in the fifth round by the Ravens in 2023 and was signed by the Raiders last season. He emerged as a starter in training camp this year.

Odunze was selected No. 9 overall by Chicago in 2024 after leading the nation in receiving yards his final year with the Huskies.

Both are playing key roles for their teams this season. Kelly has 16 tackles and three pass breakups through three games. Odunze has 16 catches for 227 yards. He also has four touchdowns, tied for the most in the NFL with Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker and Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Now Kelly and Odunze get to square off in the NFL.

“I mean, we used to talk about these moments in high school,” Kelly said. “To get on the big stage in our hometown, me playing at home and him playing for his new team, doing great, it’s gonna be fun.”

The two are used to going toe-to-toe with one another.

They competed almost every day in practice at Gorman. They also raced against each other in track. Odunze beat out Kelly for the state title in the 200 meters in 2019 and both were part of the Gaels’ winning 400-meter relay team. Kelly took home the long jump title as well.

The two continued to battle on opposite sides in college. Kelly said there’s not much he can draw from their previous matchups, however.

“I’m a whole different corner; he’s a different receiver,” Kelly said. “We’re much older and much smarter.”

Close friends

Kelly and Odunze have been friends for years, though Kelly said this week is about “business.” He’ll stay locked in until after the game.

Still, he recognizes how special it will be to have both of their families taking it all in.

“It’s super cool for them, seeing our games in high school, and now both of them getting to watch us on the biggest stage,” Kelly said. “Pretty awesome.”

It’s an opportunity Kelly doesn’t take for granted. He’s still getting used to the fact that he’s playing in the NFL in his hometown.

“It’s pretty cool,” Kelly said. “I mean, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.