The Sooner Stopper

Explore the powerful career of Tony Casillas, the award-winning defensive lineman who anchored Oklahoma's championship defense and powered the Dallas Cowboys to Super Bowl glory.
Born on June 1, 1963, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Anthony "Tony" Lee Casillas established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line for the University of Oklahoma from 1982 to 1985. A relentless and powerful player, Casillas was the heart and soul of a Sooner defense that achieved national prominence. His exceptional talent and leadership were evident throughout his collegiate career.

✦ College Career

Casillas was a four-year starter for the Oklahoma Sooners and a consensus All-American in both 1984 and 1985. His senior season was particularly decorated, as he earned the prestigious Lombardi Award, recognizing the nation's top lineman, and the UPI Lineman of the Year award. He was also a key member of the 1985 Oklahoma team that captured the national championship, a testament to his impact on one of the most dominant programs in college football history. Casillas was named the College Defensive Player of the Decade for the 1980s by Football News, further solidifying his legendary status in collegiate circles.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Casillas's dominant college career made him a highly coveted NFL prospect. He was selected as the second overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. This high draft selection reflected the widespread recognition of his exceptional talent and potential to be a disruptive force at the professional level.

✦ Football Legacy

Tony Casillas enjoyed a successful 12-year NFL career, playing for the Atlanta Falcons (1986-1990), the Dallas Cowboys (1991-1993), and the Kansas City Chiefs (1994-1997). While he was a highly regarded player with the Falcons, his most significant professional success came with the Dallas Cowboys. As a key member of their defensive line, Casillas played a crucial role in the Cowboys' consecutive Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXVIII. His powerful presence and ability to disrupt opposing offenses were instrumental in the team's championship runs. Casillas was a consistent and reliable force throughout his NFL career, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1993 during his time with the Cowboys. His collegiate dominance and Super Bowl success cemented his legacy as one of the great defensive linemen to come out of Oklahoma.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

College Accolades:

National Champion (1985)
2x Consensus All-American (1984, 1985)
Lombardi Award (1985)
UPI Lineman of the Year (1985)
College Defensive Player of the Decade (1980s, Football News)
4x First-Team All-Big Eight (1982-1985)
NFL Accolades & Awards:

2x Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII)
Pro Bowl (1993)
Career Stats (NFL):

Games Played: 164
Sacks: 29.5 (unofficial prior to 1982)
Tackles: Statistics not consistently tracked throughout his entire career, but was a consistent starter and impactful defensive lineman.
Interceptions: 0