Dave Casper Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Dave Casper  

Dave Casper was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Dave Casper was one of the best tight ends of his era. He was selected in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Casper was an All-American tight end from Notre Dame.   

A special teamer his first two years in Oakland, he earned a starter's role in 1976 and quickly established himself as a great player. He finished the season with 53 catches for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns. His outstanding play helped the Raiders' offense come alive and he contributed to their 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI.

Nicknamed "The Ghost" by his teammates, Casper was not only a great receiver and blocker, he was also a clutch performer.

Two of the game's most memorable plays involved Dave Casper. In 1977, it was Casper's 10-yard touchdown reception that ended a double-overtime affair against the Baltimore Colts 37-31.  That game is nicknamed "Ghost to the Post,"  in reference to Casper's 42-yard reception route that set up the tying field goal at the end of regulation.

The next season against the Chargers, Casper again pulled his team from certain defeat, on a play that would forever be remembered as "The Holy Roller." Down six points with 10 seconds remaining in the game, Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler fumbled the ball. The ball rolled thirteen yards to the Chargers 11, where running back Pete Banaszak batted it toward the goal line. At the 5, a quick thinking Casper continued the ball's forward progress with his foot before finally falling on it in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

Casper played 6 1/2 seasons with the Raiders. Casper was named All-Pro and All-AFC four times and was selected to play in five Pro Bowls overall. He also played for the Houston Oilers and the Minnesota Vikings.

Dave Casper was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Related Speakers View all


More like Dave