"This is unbelievable," Casanova said when he was informed of the honor late Tuesday afternoon. "I am obviously humbled by the thought of being one of the 82 players named to the All-Century team. This is overwhelming. I'm glad that I was not on the selection committee that had to pick from all of the great players that have played this game."
Known for his versatility, Casanova played on both sides of the ball as a running back and kick returner as well as a three-time All-American safety during his career as a Tiger.
From 1969-71, he intercepted seven passes, rushed for 302 yards on 72 carries for five touchdowns, returned 44 punts for 517 yards and returned 17 kickoffs for 334 yards. He was renowned as a fearless competitor both on and off the field at LSU.
He remains as one of seven three-time First Team All-Southeastern Conference performers at LSU, joining the likes of David Browndyke (1987-89), Kevin Faulk (1996-98), Dalton Hilliard (1982-83, 85), Tommy Hodson (1986-89), Eddie Ray (1967-69) and Chris Williams (1978-80).
"I would like to thank all of the players that I had the pleasure to play with for any recognition that I have received," Casanova said. "I am also greatful for the leadership and guidence of coach Charlie McClendon who allowed me to play at LSU."
During his career, LSU posted three straight nine-win seasons and a combined record of 27-7 including an SEC Championship in 1970 and a pair of bowl victories.
After finishing his career at LSU, Casanova played professionally as a safety for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1972-77.
Currently, Casanova is an ophthalmologist in his hometown of Crowley, La.
Walter Camp All-Century Team
Offense Quarterbacks: Roger Staubach, Navy Tommie Frazier, Nebraska John Lujack, Notre Dame (2) Doug Flutie, Boston College Davey O'Brien,TCU Peyton Manning, Tennessee Running Backs Red Grange, Illinois (3) Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State Ricky Williams, Texas (2) Doak Walker, SMU (3) O.J. "KILLER" Simpson, USC 2X POY (2) Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh (2) Bo Jackson, Auburn Archie Griffin, Ohio State 2X POY (2) Herschel Walker, Georgia (3) Glenn Davis, Army (3) Doc Blanchard, Army (3) Jim Brown, Syracuse Receiver Johnny Rogers Nebraska (2) Fred Biletnifkoff Florida State Tim Brown Notre Dame Bernie Oosterbaan Michigan (3) Larry Kelley Yale Receiver Don Hutson Alabama Raghib Ismail Notre Dame Desmond Howard Michigan Howard Twilley Tulsa Keith Jackson Oklahoma (2) Tackle Ron Yary USC (2) Bill Fralic Pittsburgh (2) John Hicks Ohio State (2) Tackle Orlando Pace Ohio State (2) Bob Gain Kentucky Dan Dierdorf Michigan Guard John Hannah Alabama Aaron Taylor Nebraska (2) Brad Budde USC Guard Dean Steinkuhler Nebraska Will Shields Nebraska Jim Parker Ohio State Center Dave Rimington Nebraska (2) Jim Ritcher North Carolina State Mel Hein Washington State Placekicker Morten Anderson Michigan State John Lee UCLA Sebastian Janikowski Florida State Kevin Butler Georgia Defense Defensive Line (Includes Def. Ends) Bubba Smith Michigan St (2) Lee Roy Selmon Oklahoma Defensive Line Leon Hart Notre Dame (2) Merlin Olsen Utah State Bob Lilly TCU Defensive Line Ross Browner Notre Dame (2) Chris Zorich Notre Dame (2) Mike Reid Penn State Defensive Line Steve Emtman Washington Bruiser Kinard Mississippi Randy White Maryland Linebacker Dick Butkus Illinois (2) Chuck Bednarik Penn (2) Lee Roy Jordan Alabama Linebacker Tommy Nobis Texas Cornelius Bennett Alabama (2) Jerry Robinson UCLA (2) Linebacker Chris Spielman Ohio State Brian Bosworth Oklahoma (2) Mike Singletary Baylor (2) Cornerback Deion Sanders Florida State (2) Nile Kinnick Iowa John Lattner Notre Dame (2) Cornerback Jim Thorpe Carlisle (2) Charles Woodson Michigan Dre Bly North Carolina (3) Safety Ronnie Lott USC Terry Hoage Georgia (2) Tommy Casanova LSU Safety Kenny Easley UCLA (3) Jack Tatum Ohio State (2) Tim McDonald USC Punters Ray Guy Southern Mississippi Reggie Roby Iowa (2) Todd Sauerbrun West Virginia