Russell Okung was named to the 2018 Pro Bowl as a left tackle.
But, he's hoping he gets to play at another position in Sunday's game.
"I'm trying to get a chance to go out there and play corner," Okung said following Thursday's practice.
At 6-5, 310 pounds, Okung is six inches taller and weighs over 100 pounds more than Chargers Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward. But hey, that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a shot!
"I talked to Casey a little bit and said, 'Hey man, can I get a play or so (in)?' And he said, 'Well, only if it's cover two.' So if I get some help over the top, they may let me get in."
So, has Hayward given Okung any tips?
"He's being pretty stingy. He wants me to go out there and look bad. I think he's afraid of his job with me."
Whether or not Okung gets in at corner remains to be seen, but, he's happy and fortunate to have been named to the game after earning his first honor five seasons ago.
"I feel so fortunate and so blessed that I get another opportunity to come out here and compete against some of the best guys in the world. I haven't been (here) in years, but I get a chance this year to come and be a (part of a) great showing for the Chargers and the organization (to) come out here and compete this Sunday."
After joining the Bolts last offseason, Okung brought a veteran presence to the offensive line in 2017. He helped bolster a unit that allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL (18). His two sacks allowed (according to STATS LLC) equaled the best single-season effort of his career in which he played 10 or more games. Additionally, he aided Melvin Gordon to rush for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and the line's protection helped Philip Rivers notch one of his best seasons as a pro.
As Okung alluded, he gets to take the field each day in Orlando with the best of the best in the league. One of the crazy things about the Pro Bowl is bringing competitors from the same conference onto one team. Although he was on the NFC side the last time he played in the game, playing alongside his new AFC teammates is exciting for Okung due to their competitive spirit.
"It's crazy how I'm playing next to Kelechi Osemele on the edge against Von Miller. It's crazy the guys you compete against week in and week out (and now) being on the same team as them. It's insane. But these guys, they're amazing competitors (and) they really love the game like me, too. So, it's a good feeling."
Check out the best photos of Russell Okung during the 2017 season.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. The Chargers won 27-22.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) during a week 12 NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 28-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. The Chiefs won 24-10.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 12 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 28-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. The Chargers won 27-22.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. The Chargers won 27-22.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. The Jaguars won 20-17.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) faces off against Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sarah Warnock)
Denver Broncos vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. The Chargers won 21-0.
Cleveland Browns vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Chargers won 19-10.
Cleveland Browns vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Chargers won 19-10.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. The Broncos won 24-21.
Denver Broncos vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. The Chargers won 21-0.
Cleveland Browns vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Chargers won 19-10.
Washington Redskins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. The Chargers won 30-13.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. The Chiefs won 30-13.
Denver Broncos vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. The Chargers won 21-0.
