Tommy Casanova

Bio

Tommy Casanova played defensive back for Louisiana State 1969-71, was all-conference three years and consensus All-America his last two years, In 1969-70, he also played halfback on offense, carried the ball 72 times in 21 games, and averaged 4.2 yards a try. He did not play offense in 1971. He returned punts and kickoffs 28 times the first year, 26 times the second year, and 7 times as a senior. He averaged 14 yards a return. In a 61-17 Louisiana State victory over Mississippi in 1970, Casanova ran punts 61 and 73 yards for touchdowns. He stood 6-2 in height and weighed 195 pounds. Casanova played six years with the Cincinnati Bengals 1972-77. While playing pro, he obtained a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Casanova became an ophthalmologist in Crowley, Louisiana, specializing in eye surgery and eyelid reconstruction. He was named to the board of trustees for colleges and universities of Louisiana, worked with an environmental society, and worked on visual surgery for lepers in Louisiana. Louisiana State named Casanova to its all-modern era team, covering the years 1937-1992. The Walter Camp Foundation named him its 1989 Alumnus of the Year. Paul Brown, his coach in the pros, called him "Just plain special. We never had anyone else like him. On defense, he played the ball like a center fielder. On punt returns, he was excellent. A very good football player and always a gentleman."

Career Highlights

• 1971 All-Conference
• 1971 Consensus All-America
• 1970 All-Conference
• 1970 Consensus All-America
• 1969 All-Conference