The most recent post on wide receiver K.J. Osborn’s Instagram page is a photo of him signing a contract to join the New England Patriots.
Boring.
The second-most recent post on Osborn’s account is where you need to direct your attention. That’s because it’s a sponsored post featuring Larry (AKA “Fat Larry”), Osborn’s 3-year-old English Bulldog.
There’s also a separate Instagram page featuring Fat Larry looking happy, nerdy, excited, sleepy and even well-educated (featuring a diploma from graduating a pet training program.) You can check out Larry’s wrinkly hijinx here.
Back when he was with the Minnesota Vikings, the receiver said that he gets a lot of chuckles when he tells people that he named his dog “Larry.” But he’s glad he went with the name since it’s such a good fit for Larry’s personality.
“English bulldogs were perfect,” Osborn said. “Just his personality, which is why I named him Larry, kinda like, fat and lazy, like to cuddle. But he likes to play and things like that.”
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Larry is Osborn’s first pet of any kind. The receiver got him during his second season in the NFL, back when Larry was “literally the size of my foot.” But by the time he was 10 months old, Larry had beefed up to about 60 pounds.
Osborn said that he was getting a little bored and lonely when he got him early in his career. However, Larry has gone a long way in helping him unwind when he gets home.
“I probably talk to Larry more than I talk to humans,” he said.
Osborn admits that Larry is “super spoiled,” with lots of toys. He jokes that, when he talks to his family, they’re more concerned with hearing about Larry than they are hearing about him.
“But it’s fun. It gives me a sense of responsibility,” Osborn said. “It’s kind of like dad practice. It’s kind of crazy how close he can be to a real baby. I love him. That’s my guy.”
Osborn is set to be introduced to Patriots media during a video call on Wednesday. It probably won’t be long until New England’s content team starts posting photos and videos of Larry as well.
