Richard Caster was a three-time Pro Bowl tight end/wide receiver drafted by the New York Jets in 1970 in the second round. Over his eight seasons as a member of that squad, quarterback Joe Namath often used Caster as a target – and this versatile 6-foot-5 228-pounder first began his NFL career playing wide receiver before coach Weeb Ewbank converted him to tight end due to his combination of size and speed. Caster died of natural causes on August 26 at 75 years old.
Drafted by the New York Jets in 1970
Caster earned three Pro Bowl selections during his 13-year NFL career and caught 322 passes for 5,515 yards and 36 touchdowns as a second-round selection from Jackson State. Caster possessed both size and speed which made him an intimidating matchup for opposing defenses.
Caster began his NFL career as a wide receiver before being converted to tight end by coach Weeb Ewbank due to his unique combination of size and speed. Standing 6-foot-5 with 228 pounds on him, Caster could run the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds.
He formed an incredible connection with Joe Namath and quickly became his favorite target. For example, during Week 2 of 1972’s campaign against Johnny Unitas and Baltimore Colts he caught three out of Namath’s six touchdown passes and amassed 204 receiving yards en route to helping New York beat them 44-34.
Started eight seasons with the Jets
Caster revolutionized tight end play during his early ’70s career with Joe Namath’s second-round pick from Jackson State, Weeb Ewbank. At first used as a wide receiver but eventually converted by coach Weeb Ewbank due to his combination of size and speed (Caster ran 4.5 40-yard dashes).
He began eight seasons with New York and quickly became one of Namath’s favorite targets, including an outstanding Week 2 performance where he caught three of Namath’s six touchdown passes for 204 yards!
Caster spent his final three seasons with Houston Oilers before brief stints with New Orleans Saints and Washington (winning Super Bowl XVII with Washington during one season he spent there). Caster retired after 13 seasons with 322 receptions for 5,515 yards and 45 touchdowns to his name.
Made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 1973 and 1974
Caster became one of Joe Namath’s closest confidantes during his eight seasons at New York and quickly rose to become their leading receiver. Entering as a wide receiver with an NFL 40-yard dash time of 4.5, Weeb Ewbank quickly converted him to tight end due to his unique combination of size and speed.
Caster made a strong debut during Week 2 of 1972 season when he caught three of Namath’s six touchdown passes for 204 yards against Johnny Unitas and Baltimore Colts in 44-34 win. Caster earned Pro Bowl selection both years, before ending his career with brief stops in Houston, New Orleans and Washington.
Caster now enjoys spending his retirement years enjoying time with his wife and three sons on Long Island while volunteering for March of Dimes and serving on the board of Head Injury Association of Long Island which promotes recovery after brain trauma survivorship.
Played three seasons with the Houston Oilers
After starting his NFL career with Jackson State University’s Jets for eight seasons, Jackson State graduate Caster made his move to Houston Oilers three seasons later in 1978 and spent three with that franchise as well as brief stints with New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins before calling it quits altogether in 1982.
Caster became one of Joe Namath’s go-to targets with the Jets, amassing 4,434 yards on his career for them and ranking 10th on their all-time franchise list. Entering as a wide receiver running a 4.5 40-yard dash time, but after seeing coach Weeb Ewbank recognize his unique combination of size and speed being utilized as tight end by coach Weeb Ewbank he was converted to tight end status due to this dynamic combination.
Pro Bowler Richard Richard was honored to receive three Pro Bowl selections over his career and finished it off by amassing 322 receptions for 5,515 yards and 45 touchdowns. Richard leaves behind Susan; sons Richard Max Sean; daughters Shannon Myla Nicole; as well as five grandchildren.
Made brief stints with the New Orleans Saints and Washington
Caster held an outstanding 13-season career wherein he caught 322 passes for 5,515 yards and 45 touchdowns – earning three Pro Bowl selections along the way.
Caster spent his first eight seasons with the Jets, becoming an essential target for star quarterback Joe Namath. Standing 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Caster originally entered as a wide receiver but later switched positions due to coach Weeb Ewbank due to his combination of size and speed.
His catches helped the Jets win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1973 and 1974. Following that he moved on to play for New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins before retiring briefly with Houston Oilers before passing away peacefully at age 72 in 1985. Richard Caster is survived by his wife Susan, sons Richard J. Caster (deceased) and Max caster (still living), daughters Shannon Myla Caster and Alona Nicole Caster as well as five grandchildren.
