ST. LOUIS (AP) -The top of Oshiomogho Atogwe’s locker stall is crammed with action figures of the muscle-bound comic book character, The Incredible Hulk. There are more at home, too, between 2,000 and 3,000 of them in his collection.
The St. Louis Rams’ ballhawking strong safety has been following the big green superhero since he was 8.
“So I just put a bunch of them in my locker,” he said. “It’s kind of synonymous with the way I play the game, kind of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde.
“Every day, Dr. Jeckyll is just happy-go-lucky and Mr. Hyde, when you get on the field and put the pads on, it’s time to let loose and go play.”
The Rams’ defense hasn’t made a lot of big plays this season, failing to hold the fort in games that have often been blowouts by halftime. The fourth-year player with the mouthful for a first name – you can also call him O.J. – and the comic book hobby is responsible for a large number of the big plays they’ve had.
s total. He’s also recovered two fumbles and is second with 88 tackles.
Last year, he led the NFC with eight interceptions, and has 16 for his career. Atogwe also forced five fumbles in 2006.
“The guy’s a ball magnet,” coach Jim Haslett said. “He does a great job of punching the balls out, and he’s got great hands.”
Atogwe, a third-round draft pick in 2005 out of Stanford, said it’s the result of hard work. On Tuesdays, the players’ regular day off, he often can be found at Rams Park catching hundreds of balls off a machine.
A Rams aide shoots the balls at every conceivable angle so that on game day, Atogwe’s ready.
“I think catching the ball, more so than having good hands, is being relaxed and comfortable in the moment the ball is coming to you,” Atogwe said. “That’s what you’re trying to create, a situation when you’re in the game and the ball’s coming toward you, you don’t freeze up.
“You’re not always going to catch it, but that’s what you work toward, and you get so few opportunities, you want to make them count.”
Though not quite the NFL’s hardest hitter at his position, Atogwe doesn’t mind mixing it up either. He often played nearer the line in last week’s 16-12 loss to the Dolphins.
“It’s a different world down there, and they both bring different excitement,” Atogwe said. “The box is a little bit nastier, a little rougher, and you get to take out a little more aggression in there.”
Atogwe is one of few Rams players, and probably the only position player, hopeful of getting recognition when Pro Bowl voting is announced this month. Punter Donnie Jones is also having a solid season.
“You work hard and you practice hard, and it’s an honor to be recognized as one of the better players in the NFL,” Atogwe said. “I definitely strive for that and put my efforts toward that, so making it would be a great achievement.”
Add A Comment