Rich Kaster obit

Richard Caster, former Jackson State star and New York Jets tight end, dies at 75

 

He was not on the list.

Richard Caster, who played football at Jackson State and was taken in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, died Friday after a battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 75.

James Hartfield, a former teammate of Caster's at JSU, confirmed the death to the Clarion Ledger on Sunday.

“I am really sad to hear about his passing,” Hartfield said. “He was a great person and great wide receiver."

Caster, who was 6-foot-5, and played at 228 pounds, helped to revolutionize the tight end position with his size and 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash. He went on to become a three-time Pro Bowl tight end (1972, 1974 and 1975).

Caster was recruited to Jackson State out of Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama, by coach Rod Paige and played for Paige from 1966-68. He then played under coach Ulysses McPherson in 1969.

“He was an all-around good guy,” said Stanley Blackmon, who played with Caster at JSU. “I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great athlete, fast, and he ran on the relay team at Jackson State. He was versatile athlete and when Jerome Barkum came in, he moved to tight end. A sad day for all who knew him.”

Caster played eight seasons for the Jets and had 245 receptions for 4,434 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. He played another five seasons with the Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints and ended his 13-year career with the Washington franchise. He finished his career with 322 receptions, 5,515 yards and 45 touchdowns, averaging 17.1 yards per catch.

Caster is in the Jackson State Hall of Fame and on its All-Century and All-Centennial Team.

Caster was living in New York at the time of his passing.

 

Career history

New York Jets (1970–1977)

Houston Oilers (1978–1980)

New Orleans Saints (1981)

Washington Redskins (1981–1982)

 

Career highlights and awards

Super Bowl champion (XVII)

3× Pro Bowl (1972, 1974, 1975)

 

Career NFL statistics

Receptions:            322

Receiving yards:   5,515

Touchdowns:            45