Players

  Kassim Osgood led the Chargers special teams in tackles in 2008 with 17, but it’s a fumble recovery late in a mid-December game in Kansas City that is most memorable. His recovery of a muffed onside kick set up the game-winning touchdown in a 22-21 win over the Chiefs. A loss would’ve eliminated the Chargers from the AFC Playoff race.

  Osgood has a history of big special teams plays in Kansas City. His prowess on special teams was highlighted by one play at Arrowhead Stadium in 2004. He chased down Dante Hall, then the NFL’s top return specialist, during what looked to be a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and forced a fumble that the Chargers would recover. It was a critical turning point in the Chargers’ season as they went on to win the game, 34-31, ending a seven-game losing streak at Arrowhead Stadium. And that season would end with the Chargers winning the AFC West crown, their first since 1994.

  Osgood has been to the Pro Bowl two of the last three years for his work on special teams. He’s one of the best at his craft and routinely commands double and triple teams when covering kickoffs or punts.

  Off the field, Osgood has taken full advantage of the platform that football has afforded him. He is jokingly referred to by his teammates as “The Mayor of San Diego” for his numerous contacts in the business and nonprofit communities. Osgood oversees the Team K.O. Foundation. In 2006, the San Diego Police Historic Association honored Osgood with its Jose Cota Man of the Year Award for community service. And last April, he was one of 12 NFL players selected by CBS’s James Brown and the NFL Players Association to receive a JB Award for his contributions to the community.

  As part of his commitment to local youth, especially those who excel in the classroom, Osgood donates 50 tickets to each Chargers home game for San Diego City School students to sit in the Chargers Community Corner. The students are selected by a committee of teachers based on outstanding academics and citizenship. This past spring, Osgood fulfilled a commitment of his own, finishing his last course at San Diego State to officially earn his bachelor’s degree in sociology and become the first member of his family to graduate from college.

  Another passion of Osgood’s is acting. For most of his life, he has been involved in acting but he really became hooked after taking a class while a student at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Osgood holds a coveted Screen Actors Guild card, as well as one from the American Film, TV and Radio Association. One of his close friends is Michael Clarke Duncan, star of the movie “The Green Mile.” Osgood’s own screen credits include roles in the movie “We Were Soldiers,” the CBS television show “Jericho,” MTV shows “Road Rules: Viewers Revenge” and “Short Circutz,” along with roles in several television commercials.

   Capoiera, a Brazilian form of martial arts, and basketball are among Osgood’s hobbies. He is friends with former UFC Champion, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, and has attended several of his bouts, including Liddell’s last fight against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada.

   TRANSACTION HISTORY: Signed with Chargers as undrafted rookie, May 2, 2003…signed new four-year contract thru 2009, Jan. 27, 2006.

  2009: Game ball award for outstanding special teams play week one vs Oakland. week 12, was selected as one of the 50 greatest Chargers in team history for his standout special teams play. On special teams week 14 in Dallas, downed Mike Scifres' punts on the four and one yard-lines. After being voted into the 2009 Pro Bowl, contributed in week 17 vs. the Redskins both with outstanding special teams coverage as well as in the receiving game. Caught one pass for 17 yards.  

  2008: Pro Bowl second-alternate…Chargers Alumni ST POM in October…recovered onsides kick with just over one minute remaining in 4Q Dec. 14 at KC to start GW drive.

  2007: Pro Bowl...All-NFL and All-AFC by PFW and PFWA…Chargers ST POY…three STT Oct. 28 vs. Houston with all three inside 20-yard line…made two huge special teams plays Dec. 9 at Tennessee…early in 4Q, downed punt at one…following three-and-out, Bolts drove for TD to cut deficit to 17-10…in OT, correctly called heads on coin toss to give San Diego ball...when Bolts had to punt after first series of OT, he and Antonio Cromartie teamed to down ball at Titans’ two…after another defensive three-and-out, offense drove for GW score.

  2006: Pro Bowl…All-AFC by PFW and PFWA…Chargers ST POY…season-high four STT in AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. NE.

  2005: Chargers ST POY… Chargers Alumni POW after season opener vs. Dallas… season-high four STT in 28-20 win over KC Oct. 30, including three-yard TFL on PR late in 4Q…suffered torn pectoral muscle Dec. 4 against Oakland while covering 1Q KOR… placed on “Reserve-Injured” list Dec. 7.

  2004: Turned in two of biggest plays of season in 34-31 win at KC Nov. 28…on opening kickoff of 3Q, ran down Dante Hall from behind as he appeared headed toward end zone and 92-yard TD return…pursuit caused Hall to fumble while changing hands to avoid Osgood and Chargers recovered to keep score 17-14…in 4Q facing 2nd-and-22 from their own 19 while trailing 31-24, caught career-long 65-yard pass from Drew Brees…four plays later, Chargers scored TD to tie game, 31-31…finished game with season-high 92 yards receiving…started for injured Keenan McCardell Wks 14-15 and vs. KC Jan. 2.

  2003: Scored first-career TD on 19-yard pass from Doug Flutie in 4Q at Denver Nov. 16…first-career 100-yard game at Pittsburgh Dec. 21 with 102 yards, including season-long 57-yard TD catch.

  COLLEGE: First-team All-MWC in 2002…second in nation in catches (108) and fourth in ypg (119.4) as senior…combined with J.R. Tolver to set NCAA record for season receiving yards (3,337) and catches (236) by teammates…I-AA All-America at Cal Poly-SLO…led nation in receiving yards as sophomore, while ranking second in ypg and sixth in rpg…set I-AA record with 376 yards receiving against Northern Iowa…played at Cal Poly from 1999-00 and San Diego State from 2001-02…earned sociology degree.

  PERSONAL: Born in Boston, Massachusetts…lettered in football, basketball and track at North Salinas High School in Salinas, California