Jonathan Casillas

Jonathan Casillas was born on June 3rd, 1987 in Jersey City, Nj. A multi sport athlete earning All-State Honors in football, track, and basketball. While attending New Brunswick High School, he was awarded the Middlesex County Scholar Athlete of the year award. Excelling In the classroom as well as on the gridiron, Jonathan dedicated hundreds of hours to community service. Special Olympics, Holiday Fund Drives, Soup Kitchens, Read Across America, and many other community based opportunities. 

In 2005 Jonathan attended the University of Wisconsin. He received All-Big Ten Honors each of his three years as a starter. Hampered by a knee injury which resulted in season ending surgery his senior year, Casillas went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft. Signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent, Casillas played a significant role during the Saints magical Super Bowl winning season. He is officially credited with the recovery of the onside kick “Ambush” which New Orleans used to start the second half and totally tilt the momentum of the game. 

Fresh off a Super Bowl win, Casillas was expected to take over as the Saints' starting weakside linebacker for the 2010 season. However, he suffered a foot injury during the last game of the preseason, and he was placed on the injured reserve list, ending his 2010 season. 

Signed with the Buccaneers in 2013 and 2014, Casillas was then traded to the New England Patriots for a draft pick. Literally going from worst to first. The Patriots won their 4th Lombardi and gave Jonathan his second Super Bowl Ring. 

As a free agent in 2015, Casillas signed a three year deal with the New York Giants. The Jersey native finished his 9 year career with over 380 tackles and was elected Captain of the defense for his final 2 years.

While remaining fierce on the field, Jonathan continued his philanthropy. Selflessly giving back to his communities, he is dedicated to the youth, especially in New Jersey. The Jonathan Casillas Forward Progress Camp is going into it’s 7th year in his hometown of New Brunswick, NJ. It is a free camp for about 200 kids. Every student receive book bags, shirts, shorts, swag bags, and coaching from NFL players. But the best thing the kids get... The 8 life skills courses, which include topics such as Social Media and Cyber Bullying.

Officially retiring from the NFL in 2018,  Jonathan ‘s  Forward  Progress  Camp  still  continues  to  impact  the  youth  and  provide  hope  to  those  who  need  it  the  most.