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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, February 2, 2008

Chargers' Osgood loves the camera

By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's Pro Bowl custom for the NFL to offer up its most articulate and effervescent personalities at its initial press conference. But even a full contingent of reporters and cameramen weren't quite adequate to capture the exuberance of telegenic special teams standout and actor Kassim Osgood yesterday.

"You don't know what you're in for," Osgood boasted at yesterday's gathering at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. "Hand me a mic(crophone) and I'll talk all day."

The fifth-year pro from San Diego has been enjoying the camera time that comes with his second Pro Bowl selection, and his smiling mug will likely be ubiquitous over the coming week as he and other NFL stars launch their annual goodwill blitz on schools, military bases, charity events and Pro Bowl activities.

"I'm definitely an entertainer," Osgood said. "I can't wait to get out there and meet the fans and sign autographs. And I love to take photos. If you bring a camera, I'll be in front of it."

Clearly, Bill Belichick he is not.

A standout wide receiver at San Diego State, Osgood, 27, has only made two catches in the past two seasons — both in a game against the Vikings this year. However, his exceptional play on special teams has earned him a reputation as a game-changing talent. He's been especially effective as a tackler in the kicking game.

This season, Osgood recorded a career-low nine tackles. Still, Pro Bowl voters recognized his overall contributions to the Chargers' special teams unit; Osgood is routinely double- and triple-teamed in kickoff and punt situations.

Osgood is still waiting to make a similar impression on Hollywood. He played a bit part in the Mel Gibson vehicle "We Were Warriors" and has appeared in national commercials for Sprint and Verizon, among others. Last year, he earned a coveted Screen Actors Guild Card.

"Hollywood is tough to get into," he said. "There is so much more talent. In football, if you can play and you're the best, you can do it. But there are a lot of great actors who never get a shot."

Still, Osgood says his competitive experience on the field and the intense preparation that is part and parcel of his career as a professional athlete can only help him in his budding acting career.

And Osgood said he's not worried about being typecast because of his imposing 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame. His acting ability, he says, will shine though regardless of the role.

"They aren't going to have no choice because I don't shut up," Osgood said. "You're going to get this character and that character all in one — and I look good!"

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.