Osgood all-pro in many ways

By JOHN PHILIP WYLLIE

When Kassim Osgood arrived on the Chargers doorstep in 2003 as an undrafted rookie free agent, his odds of making the roster were about the same as for any walk-on: somewhere between slim and none. Despite the fact that this 6’5”, 220-pound wide receiver did not catch a single pass last season, Osgood capped off a remarkable 2006 campaign with his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

For the second year in a row the former SDSU Aztec standout was selected as the Chargers special teams Player of the Year and for good reason. Due to Osgood’s speed, cunning and determination, teams are forced to assign two and sometimes three people to try and block him on kick-off and punt returns. So, even when he is not making the tackles himself, he is opening the door for one of his teammates to nail the returner.

On a hot, muggy, August day following a brutal two-hour Chargers practice session, Osgood, might have — like many of his teammates — quickly headed off for the refreshing shower awaiting him. Instead, he demonstrated the type of person he is as he patiently posed for dozens of photos and signed enough autographs to develop a major case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Not surprisingly, it turns out that Osgood is one of the team’s deeply committed Christians. He enjoys talking about it.

“There are definitely a good number of believers here. On game day the prayer circle is just huge. We have a lot of guys that keep each other encouraged in our faith. It keeps our accountability high. We converse a lot and it is great to have somebody on the team that you can always talk with when you are having problems. We make sure that we place God first,” Osgood said.

Things haven’t always been wonderful for Osgood during his stellar five-year career. He finished the 2005 season on injured reserve after tearing a pectoral muscle and there have been many other bumps along the way. When things go south he knows where to turn.

“I have always been very close to my mom and she has always been there to give me the Scriptures. They are something to hold on to and something from which you can gather up some strength. At times you can get frustrated and lose track of the big picture. The Scriptures always get you right back on target.”

Like many of the Chargers players, Osgood is often uplifted by the powerful words of long-time team chaplain, Shawn Mitchell.

“Shawn is the man! He continues to inspire people year in and year out. I think he has been part of the Chargers organization longer than I have been alive. He always has the right words to say at the right time.”

Osgood believes that teammate Jacques Cesaire has some of those same qualities.

“Jacques is a strong Christian brother. He is a faithful believer and always there for you if you ever need a prayer. He is also always the first one to start our team prayers.”

Osgood brings a different talent to the locker room. He uses his outgoing personality to help his teammates relax and to raise their spirits.

“In addition to praying, before games I try to do something different every time to make people laugh or smile. I am one of the rambunctious guys, so I try to help to break the ice in the hope that the guys will relax a little bit.”

Off the field, Osgood and his Team K.O. Foundation are making a difference in the community. It promotes academic excellence in schools by donating 50 tickets to every home game to students selected for their exemplary citizenship and academic achievement. He hosts an annual benefit golf tournament each year in Del Mar and co-hosted a football clinic in Tijuana during the off-season with several of his teammates. He also sponsors an annual Battle of the Chef’s competition to raise money for his foundation and he uses his engaging personality to make numerous public appearances.

Asked what he is going to do for an encore this season following his first Pro Bowl appearance, Osgood said. “I’ve got to get (to Hawaii) again. I was loving that vacation.” Not as much, no doubt, as he would love a trip to Arizona this February for Super Bowl XLII.