Tommy Casanova electrified the college football world as a versatile playmaker for the LSU Tigers, ultimately translating his gridiron dominance into a stellar professional career.
Football Bio
July 29, 1950 – Tommy Casanova, the defensive back from LSU, was born.
Tommy was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 as a Tiger, according to the National Football Foundation.
He was a three-time first-team All-American in a Sports Illustrated edition published on September 13, 1971, which touted Tommy Casanova of LSU as the best player in the nation.
He went on to earn three trips to the Pro Bowl as a Cincinnati Bengals player in the NFL, where he played for six seasons.
After football, he served as a Louisiana State Senator from 1996 to 2000.
Casanova carved out his legendary legacy as one of the most dynamic defensive backs and return specialists in football history. He anchored the LSU defense, tied NCAA punt return records, and dominated the NFL secondary for the Cincinnati Bengals. Beyond the field, Casanova served his community as an accomplished ophthalmologist and a Louisiana State Senator, cementing a lifetime legacy that transcends the game.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1995.
- Consensus All-American: 1970, 1971.
- 3× First-Team All-SEC: 1969, 1970, 1971.
- NFL First-Team All-Pro: 1976.
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection: 1974, 1976, 1977.
- LSU Number 37 Retired: Honored by the LSU Tigers.
- Walter Camp Alumnus of the Year: Awarded in 1989.
- NFL Draft: Selected in the 2nd Round (29th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Career Interceptions: Recorded 17 career interceptions in the NFL.
