[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO DAVID CASPER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to David Casper, 
whose induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was announced on 
February 2, his 50th birthday. Over his eleven years in the National 
Football League, Casper distinguished himself as one of the premier 
football players in history. Eighteen years after his retirement, his 
accomplishments and hard work will be recognized and commemorated upon 
receipt of this honor on August 3.
  David John Casper was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, on February 2, 
1952, to Dorothy and Edward Casper. His football career began during 
high school, where he led the Chilton Tigers to consecutive undefeated 
seasons in his junior and senior years.
  In 1970, Notre Dame University immediately recognized David's ability 
and recruited him onto their football team as an incoming freshman. He 
quickly became Notre Dame's standout football star. In 1973, the All-
American tight end led the Fighting Irish to an 11-0 season and a 
National Championship victory over Alabama's Crimson Tide. A leader on 
the field and in the classroom, David finished his senior year as team 
captain and a cum laude graduate.
  In 1974, David debuted in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. Over the 
next two years, he worked his way up to a spot in the starting lineup 
where he quickly established himself as one of the league's dominant 
tight ends, making 53 catches for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns.
  Over the next seven seasons, David played for the Oakland Raiders, 
the Houston Oilers and the Minnesota Vikings. He returned to the 
Raiders, then relocated to Los Angeles, to retire from his football 
career in 1984.
  After eleven seasons and the ``Holy Roller'' play against San Diego 
and the ``Ghost to the Post'' play beating the Baltimore Colts in a 
double overtime playoff game, David compiled 378 receptions for 5,216 
yards and 52 touchdowns. He was essential to the Raiders' victory over 
the Vikings in Super Bowl XI. He was named All-Pro and All-AFC four 
consecutive seasons. He played in the Pro Bowl five consecutive years, 
was named a member of John Madden's 1970s team of the decade, and was 
recognized on the Silver Anniversary team as the best tight end in 25 
years.
  David's accomplishments are not limited solely to football. He has 
received numerous awards for his work as a financial planner, 
consultant and salesman.
  David gained fame in the football world, but he has used his fame to 
better his community and the lives of the people in it. He founded the 
Dave Casper Celebrity Golf Tournament to support the Ronald McDonald 
House and greatly supports other charities that benefit children.
  David's determination to succeed in all he has done has made him a 
true legend. He is probably most proud of his wonderful family--his 
wife Susan and children Keleigh, Carrie and Andy--but the world will 
forever remember the Hall of Fame football star who went down in the 
record books and in the memories of generations of football fans.

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