FOXBOROUGH, Mass – When DeMario Douglas scored the first touchdown of his NFL career on Sunday, nobody was more excited for him than K.J. Osborn.
The New England Patriots posted a video highlighting this moment for the second-year wide receiver, who just happened to be mic-d up during the game.
And when Douglas found his way into the end zone, Osborn immediately rushed over, shouting over and over again, “I told you.”
It’s clear that the receiver room is very close, always cheering on each other and celebrating the big accomplishments. But Osborn’s reaction went above and beyond.
So on Wednesday, A to Z Sports spoke exclusively with Osborn about why he was so hyped up for Douglas.
“I was just really excited for him. I told him all week, but specifically before the game, that he was going to score,” Osborn explained. “I don’t know. I just kind of felt like he was going to score.”
And it happened.
But while the others do cheer each other on, some lighthearted trash talking happens as well.
“We’ve been kind of teasing him because he’s been making plays. Going into his second year in the league now, he still hasn’t scored,” Osborn added with a smile. “So I think it was a third-down play and I was hoping we went to him. We did. And when he scored his first touchdown, I was just so happy for him.”
Osborn’s celebration didn’t stop in the end zone. Even when they went over to the sideline, he immediately embraced Douglas.
“I sprinted out there and gave him a hug and just told him how proud of him I was,” he said. “Obviously, he’s my locker mate and someone I see every day I see him put the work in. So just happy for him.”
For Douglas, he hasn’t been shy about his hopes of eventually getting into the end zone. So when he finally did, you couldn’t help but be happy for him.
And Obsorn knows this feeling all too well, having gone through it himself when he first joined the league.
“It feels super good. Like I said, just a relief. You put a lot of work in and to get the big play,” Osborn explained. “So just a big relief and excitement.”
For Douglas, having this support meant everything to him.
“It’s love. And that support helps that drive. You just play for the guys,” he said exclusively with A to Z Sports. “And just to know they have your back and you have theirs.”`