Professional Football Player. For twelve seasons (1955 to 1966), he played at the fullback position in the National and American Football Leagues with the Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. Born Ricardo Jose Casares, he initiated his association with the gridiron during his high school years at Jefferson High School in Tampa. He continued his athletic excellence at the University of Florida. While there he achieved All-Southeastern Conference as a participant on their basketball and football squads. Casares achieved greatness as the Gators' fullback on which became the first Florida team to win a bowl game (Gator Bowl 1953). He scored the first touchdown during the contest. Prior to beginning his professional career, he served with the United States Army during the Korean War. He was selected by the Bears during the second round of the 1954 NFL Draft and following his entry into the league, Casares proceeded to become one of the best ball carriers of his era, as he earned Pro-Bowl honors an astonishing five consecutive times (1955 to 1959). In 1956, he led the NFL with 1,126 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns while contributing to the Bears appearance in the NFL Title Game. In 1963, he experienced a world championship as a member of the NFL Champion Bears' squad which held historic significance as being George Halas' last championship. He concluded his career as a member of the Miami Dolphins' inaugural team in 1966. In 130 regular season games, he compiled 5,797 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns. After retiring from football, he operated a restaurant in the Tampa-area. Casares is a member of the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame and the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame.
Professional Football Player. For twelve seasons (1955 to 1966), he played at the fullback position in the National and American Football Leagues with the Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. Born Ricardo Jose Casares, he initiated his association with the gridiron during his high school years at Jefferson High School in Tampa. He continued his athletic excellence at the University of Florida. While there he achieved All-Southeastern Conference as a participant on their basketball and football squads. Casares achieved greatness as the Gators' fullback on which became the first Florida team to win a bowl game (Gator Bowl 1953). He scored the first touchdown during the contest. Prior to beginning his professional career, he served with the United States Army during the Korean War. He was selected by the Bears during the second round of the 1954 NFL Draft and following his entry into the league, Casares proceeded to become one of the best ball carriers of his era, as he earned Pro-Bowl honors an astonishing five consecutive times (1955 to 1959). In 1956, he led the NFL with 1,126 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns while contributing to the Bears appearance in the NFL Title Game. In 1963, he experienced a world championship as a member of the NFL Champion Bears' squad which held historic significance as being George Halas' last championship. He concluded his career as a member of the Miami Dolphins' inaugural team in 1966. In 130 regular season games, he compiled 5,797 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns. After retiring from football, he operated a restaurant in the Tampa-area. Casares is a member of the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame and the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame.
Bio by: C.S.
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