Tommy Casanova

Last updated

Tommy Casanova
No. 37
Position: Safety
Personal information
Born: (1950-07-29) July 29, 1950 (age 74)
Crowley, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:202 lb (92 kg)
Career information
High school: Notre Dame
(Crowley, Louisiana)
College: LSU (1969–1971)
NFL draft: 1972  / Round: 2 / Pick: 29
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions:17
Interception yards:276
Fumble recoveries:3
Total touchdowns:4
Player stats at PFR

Thomas Henry Casanova III (born July 29, 1950) is an American former professional football player and politician. He played six seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) as a safety and was selected to three Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro in 1976. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, where he was a twice consensus All-American. He is a Republican former member of the Louisiana State Senate, having served a single term from 1996 to 2000.

Contents

Early life and college

Casanova attended the Roman Catholic Notre Dame High School in Crowley, Louisiana. As a senior at Notre Dame, he was chosen to play in the Louisiana High School Coaches Association all-star game. [1]

After high school, Casanova attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he played for the LSU Tigers football team. He was a running back, kick returner, and defensive back for the Tigers. As a freshman in 1968, he led the Bayou Bengals in rushing with 209 yards on 54 attempts. He also returned punts and kickoffs, and was a defensive standout. [2]

In 1969, Casanova's first year on the varsity, he was shifted to cornerback. LSU fielded four defensive All-Americans in linebackers George Bevan and Mike Anderson, defensive tackle Ron Estay, and Casanova. Casanova was recognized as a first-team All-American by Football News. The Tigers lost only one game that year, to arch-rival Ole Miss. [3]

As a junior in 1970, Casanova was a consensus All-American. He earned first-team honors from the Associated Press (AP) and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and second-team honors from United Press International (UPI) and the Central Press. In a 61–17 rout of Ole Miss in the final game of the regular season, Casanova had punt return touchdowns of 61 and 73 yards, tying the NCAA record for punt return touchdowns in a game. [2] [4]

Prior to his senior year in 1971, Casanova was featured on the front cover of the September 13, 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated , with the headline, "Tommy Casanova of LSU, Best Player in the Nation." [5] In the second game of the season, against Texas A&M, Casanova pulled his right hamstring muscle and subsequently missed the next five games. [2] [5] He recorded his only interception of the year later that season in a nationally televised 28–8 victory over No. 7 Notre Dame. Despite missing nearly half the season due to injury, Casanova was again a consensus All-American, earning first-team recognition from the Football Writers Association of America and UPI. [6] [7] After his college career, Casanova played in the 1972 Chicago College All-Star Game against the Dallas Cowboys. His defensive play was lauded in the All-Stars' 20–7 loss. [8]

Casanova was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. [9] In 2000, the Walter Camp Football Foundation selected Casanova for their All-Century team, honoring the best college football players of the 20th century. [10] His jersey number 37 was retired by LSU football on October 10, 2009. [11] NFL and collegiate coach Pete Carroll has stated that Casanova was one of his all-time favorite players. [12]

NFL

Casanova was drafted in the second round of the 1972 NFL draft with the 29th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. After the draft, he received an offer from the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, which he considered but he ultimately declined, and signed with the Bengals. [13] Casanova played as a safety with the Bengals and also returned punts. As a rookie, he intercepted five passes on defense and had a 66-yard punt return for a touchdown. He was named the team MVP by his teammates after the season. [14] In 1973, he had four interceptions, including two against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh game of the season. [15] He also had an interception in the Bengals' 34–16 divisional playoff loss to the Miami Dolphins. [16]

Casanova was invited to his first Pro Bowl after the 1974 season. In 1975, Casanova moved from free safety to strong safety. His most productive year on defense was in 1976; he intercepted five passes and returned two of them for touchdowns and also returned a recovered fumble for a touchdown. He was invited to his second Pro Bowl and was recognized as a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. He had another Pro Bowl appearance in 1977 and retired after that season. Casanova compiled 17 interceptions in his career with the Bengals and scored three touchdowns on defense and one on a punt return. [17]

Later life and politics

While playing for the Bengals, Casanova began to pursue his M.D. at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In 1977, he quit playing football early to pursue his medical degree full-time. He graduated from the UC College of Medicine in 1980, and then began a three-year residency in ophthalmology in New Orleans. After completing his residency in 1983, Casanova went on to complete a specialization in oculoplastic surgery at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. [5]

In the 1995 nonpartisan blanket primary in the historically Democratic District 26, formerly District 24, the Republican Casanova upset veteran Democrat state Senator Armand Brinkhaus. [18] Casanova received 21,543 votes (58 percent) to Brinkhaus's 15,753 (42 percent). [19] [20] After a single term, Casanova declined to seek reelection and returned to his ophthalmology practice in Crowley. He was succeeded by the Democrat Fred Hoyt.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Cannon</span> American football player (1937–2018)

William Abb Cannon Sr. was an American football halfback and tight end who played in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played college football as a halfback, return specialist, and safety for the LSU Tigers. At LSU, Cannon was twice named a unanimous All-American, helped the 1958 LSU team win a national championship, and received the Heisman Trophy as the nation's most outstanding college player in 1959. His punt return against Ole Miss on Halloween night in 1959 is considered by fans and sportswriters to be one of the most famous plays in LSU sports history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bert Jones</span> American football player (born 1951)

Bertram Hays Jones is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Colts and Los Angeles Rams. He was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1976 with the Colts.

Lemar R. Parrish is an American former football cornerback and return specialist who played in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals (1970–1977), the Washington Redskins (1978–1982) and the Buffalo Bills (1982). He played college football for the Lincoln Blue Tigers.

Skyler Levon Green is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints. He also was a member of the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers, earning All-American honors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LSU Tigers football</span> Collegiate football team representing Louisiana State University

The LSU Tigers football program, also known as the Fighting Tigers, represents Louisiana State University in college football. The Tigers compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abe Mickal</span> American football player (1912–2001)

Ibrahim Khalil "Abe" Mickal was a Lebanese-American college football player and a doctor. He played as a halfback for the LSU Tigers football team of Louisiana State University, where he was notable for his passing skills and play-making ability, which earned him the nickname "Miracle Mickal". He was also the team's primary punter and placekicker. A three-time All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection, Mickal led LSU to an undefeated season in 1933 and a conference championship and Sugar Bowl in 1935. In 1936, Mickal played quarterback for a college all-star team that was the first team of college players to defeat a professional team. Although selected in the 1936 NFL draft, he did not play professionally. Mickal was a charter member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1937 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auburn–LSU football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Auburn–LSU football rivalry, also known as the Tiger Bowl, is an American college football rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and the LSU Tigers. Both universities have been members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) since December 1932, but the rivalry dates back to 1901. Auburn and LSU have played every year since the SEC instituted divisional play in 1992. The LSU and Auburn football teams have met 58 times, with LSU holding the all-time lead 33–24–1. This annual matchup is known for wild endings, unusual events, and strong hostility. This rivalry game has been the source of several legendary SEC football games. Including "The Earthquake Game" and "The Barn Burner". CBS college football host Brad Nessler has described the Tiger Bowl as "Where anything can happen".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1958 LSU Tigers football team</span> American college football season

The 1958 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University (LSU) in American football during the 1958 college football season. After finishing the season with a 10–0 record the team was named consensus national champion by the Associated Press (AP) and the Coaches Poll (UPI). LSU was also selected National Champions by a total of 37 selectors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 BCS National Championship Game</span> College football game

The 2008 BCS National Championship Game was played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Monday, January 7, 2008, and featured the No. 1 and No. 2 college football teams in the United States as determined by the BCS Poll to decide the BCS National Championship for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Sandifer</span> American football player (1927–1987)

Daniel Padgett Sandifer was an American professional football player who was a defensive back, halfback, receiver, & kick returner for six teams in the National Football League (NFL) from 1948 to 1953. He played college football for the LSU Tigers. Because of World War II, he was one of the few college players to play in two College All-Star Games. He currently holds the Washington Redskins team record for most interceptions in a season (13) set in his rookie year, 1948. 13 interceptions in a season has been surpassed only once in NFL history by Dick "Night Train" Lane with 14 in 1952 playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Dan recorded 4 interceptions and 2 pick 6s in a single NFL game in 1948. Sandifer also had interceptions in six consecutive games during his rookie year in 1948.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Steltz</span> American football player (born 1986)

Craig Joseph Steltz is a former American football safety. He played college football for Louisiana State University (LSU), and earned consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Chevis Dauro Jackson is an American football coach and former player who currently serves as cornerbacks coach for the Miami Hurricanes team. Jackson played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos. He played college football at Louisiana State University, where he was part of the 2007 national championship team and was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Peterson</span> American football player (born 1990)

Patrick De'mon Peterson Jr. is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, where he won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in the country, and the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back. He is regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks of his era.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1923 Alabama Crimson Tide football team</span> American college football season

The 1923 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1923 Southern Conference football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 30th overall and 2nd season as a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon). The team was led by head coach Wallace Wade, in his first year, and played their home games at Denny Field in Tuscaloosa, at Rickwood Field in Birmingham and at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. They finished the season with a record of seven wins, two losses and one tie.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyrann Mathieu</span> American football player (born 1992)

Tyrann Devine Mathieu is an American football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU. In college he developed a reputation for causing turnovers, setting a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record with 11 career forced fumbles and earning the nickname "the Honey Badger" after the mammal of the same name. In his sophomore season, he was recognized as a consensus All-American, won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in college football, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU football program after that season due to a violation of team rules.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leonard Fournette</span> American football player (born 1995)

Leonard Joseph Fournette III is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Cannon's Halloween run</span> College football game

During a college football game on Halloween night in 1959, Billy Cannon of Louisiana State University (LSU) returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown against the Ole Miss Rebels. The return occurred late in the fourth quarter and provided the only touchdown scored in the game, as the Tigers won 7–3. Featuring several broken tackles, it was a signature play of Cannon's Heisman Trophy-winning season and a notable moment in the LSU–Ole Miss football rivalry.

The 1970 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tre'Davious White</span> American football player (born 1995)

Tre'Davious White Sr. is an American football cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU, where he was a consensus All-American as a senior in 2016. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. Since earning a starting position as a rookie, White became one of the league's top cornerbacks as part of a resurgent Bills defense, having garnered two Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. Following three injury-riddled seasons and his subsequent release, White signed with the Rams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Shelvin</span> American football player (born 1998)

Tyler Shelvin is an American football nose tackle who is a free agent. He played college football at LSU.

References

  1. ↑ Joly, John (June 23, 1968). "Pick 4 Area Gridders, Lee for All-Star Games". The Times-Picayune. p. 10.
  2. 1 2 3 Tommy Casanova – Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. lasportshall.com. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  3. ↑ Hilburn, Chet (2012). The Mystique of Tiger Stadium: 25 Greatest Games: The Ascension of LSU Football. Bloomington, Indiana: WestBow Press. pp. 47–48. ISBN   978-1-4497-5269-9.
  4. ↑ "Tiger Den Archives – V". Golden Rankings. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 McEntegart, Pete (August 14, 2000). "Tommy Casanova, Two-way Star – September 13, 1971". Sports Illustrated. Vol. 93, no. 6. p. 29. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  6. ↑ Gangi, Ted. "FWAA All-America" (PDF). Sportswriters.net. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 27, 2015.
  7. ↑ "All-America Lists... AP Squad... UPI Squad". News-Journal. Associated Press. December 2, 1971. p. 42. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Morton Guides Dallas". The Fort Scott Tribune. Associated Press. July 29, 1972. p. 8. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Brown, Robeson among 13 named to football shrine". Lawrence Journal-World. Associated Press. January 19, 1995. p. 2C. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  10. ↑ "All-Century College Football Team". Walter Camp Football Foundation. Archived from the original on September 9, 2006. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  11. ↑ Vincent, Herb (October 29, 2009). "LSU Retires Three Legends' Jerseys". LSUsports.net. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  12. ↑ Kleinpeter, Jim (November 3, 2016). "Ed Orgeron says Pete Carroll 'wanted to coach at LSU'". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  13. ↑ Roesler, Bob (April 27, 1972). "Canada Calling". The Times Picayune. p. 1.
  14. ↑ "Bengals' Best". The Tuscaloosa News. December 20, 1972. p. 19. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Tommy Casanova Career Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  16. ↑ Markus, Robert (December 24, 1973). "Bengals fall 34–16 in Miami". Chicago Tribune. p. 1. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Tommy Casanova Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  18. ↑ "Living Legends: Armand Brinkhaus". acadiamuseum.com. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Official Election Results Results for Election Date: 10/21/1995". staticresults.sos.la.gov. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Membership in the Louisiana Senate, 1880-Present" (PDF). senate.la.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 4, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
Political offices
Preceded by Louisiana State Senator for the 26th District, including Acadia Parish
Thomas H. "Tommy" Casanova, III
1996–2000		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.