Russell Okung and his fiancé Samar are celebrating their engagement Friday night in Houston.
First, he had some business to attend to.
The Chargers' new left tackle flew into California to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, cementing his place as the cornerstone of the team's offensive line.
Okung had a number of suitors, but knew in his heart the Bolts were the right fit. Among a litany of factors, the presence of a young, up-and-coming Melvin Gordon weighed heavily on his decision.
After all, Gordon reminds him of another running back he blocked for during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
"He reminds me a lot of Marshawn (Lynch)," Okung said. "His running style, ability to fight for extra yardage and fall forward. I knew I have to be around runners like that. He is what I am used to. You obviously want to be part of a team that is physical, runs the ball and is efficient at the quarterback position. That is what the Chargers are. And Melvin, his tenacity as a ball carrier reminds me of a young Marshawn. His willingness to fight for everything he has is definitely similar."
Beyond seeing a younger Beast Mode in the backfield, Okung mentioned Philip Rivers as another motivating factor.
"Obviously you hear tons about Philip, and you see what type of ability he has. I know what kind of player he is. However I can come in and support whatever he is trying to do, I will do it. I just want to establish us as a great group on the offensive line. I'll be honored to do that. Playing against them (last year), this is an extremely talented team. They have a great group of core guys here, and I think it's a team that's really close. I like what (Head Coach Anthony) Lynn is doing, how he speaks and what he's asking of his players. I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of."
After facing the Chargers defense twice last season while with the Denver Broncos, he also knows firsthand how dangerous the team is on the other side of the ball. Like most, he believes reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa is primed to take the Bolts to another level.
"Bosa is a young guy who has a great future. He is very professional, and you can tell he really respects the game. Just how he goes about it and has progressed and gotten better. I'm really looking forward to watching him grow."
From Pro Bowls to Super Bowls, Okung has had a profound impact over seven years after being selected sixth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. However, he knows the Chargers are counting on him for more beyond his contributions on the playing field.
"I am really professional about my work. I am a guy who works hard, is tenacious, really gets after it, and hopefully that rubs off on the guys. We're all competing to find our best. I believe I have been given a God given ability to do what I love to do, and hopefully I can lead by example."
The Los Angleles Chargers signed free agent OT Russell Okung to a four-year deal. Take a look at photos from his NFL career thus far.
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Russell Okung (73) blocks during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 34-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung runs to the sidelines in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 33-10. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung plays against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
San Diego Chargers Brandon Mebane (92) and Denver Broncos Russell Okung (73) greet one another in a time out during the second quarter in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca October 13, 2016. (Eric Bakke via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) sets into position during a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Denver. The Broncos won the game 27-19. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung plays against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) gets set in a two point stance during the 2016 NFL week 14 regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won the game 13-10. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) and offensive guard Max Garcia (76) block Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City won 33-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) sets to block against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung breaks down the huddle before the start of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) is seen in action during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 in Seattle. Seattle won 30-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) looks up from the field during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, December 20, 2015 in Seattle. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) lines up in position during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 in Seattle. Seattle won 30-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) rushes around a block by Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) during the NFL week 5 regular season football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 in Landover, Md. The Seahawks won the game 27-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) exhales in the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) lines up in position during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, December 7, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Seattle won 24-14. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) during an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015 in Seattle. The Broncos won, 22-20. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) celebrates by making a an angel on the field in the graffiti after the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 43-8. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Seattle Seahawksoffensive lineman Russell Okung (76) battles during an NFL football game against Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, in Seattle, Wa. The Seahawks won the game, 36-16. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
