Home Sweet Home: LSU Legend Tommy Casanova Returns to Baton Rouge as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director

The path of Tommy Casanova has always been intertwined with Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For decades, he has epitomized the spirit of LSU (Louisiana State University) through his incredible athletic prowess, leadership, and unwavering loyalty to the university. Casanova’s return to Baton Rouge as the Special Assistant to the Athletic Director is not just the continuation of a storied career but a symbol of his deep-rooted connection to the school, its athletic programs, and its community. His journey back home is a story of full circles, one that illustrates how a commitment to excellence, service, and passion for a place can endure through generations.

Tommy Casanova is far more than a former athlete; he is a living legend. As one of LSU’s most celebrated sports figures, his name is synonymous with success. The multi-sport star played for LSU in the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on the football field, the track, and in the classroom. His story began in Crowley, Louisiana, where he first demonstrated his exceptional athleticism and work ethic. His high school success led him to LSU, where he quickly became one of the most dynamic and versatile athletes in the history of the school.

On the football field, Casanova was an exceptional defensive back and a key figure for the LSU Tigers under head coach Charles McClendon. He earned All-American honors in 1970 and 1971, a testament to his excellence and skill. Known for his agility, vision, and leadership, Casanova helped lead LSU to victory in the 1971 Peach Bowl and earned a reputation as one of the finest defensive backs in the country.

In addition to his football career, Tommy was also a standout track athlete, excelling in the hurdles and sprint events. His athleticism in multiple sports made him a unique figure on campus, and his leadership extended far beyond the athletic fields. His impact on the Tigers was undeniable, but what truly set him apart was his academic success. Casanova’s commitment to education earned him a degree in pre-law, showcasing his intellectual abilities just as much as his physical ones.

His contributions to LSU athletics were not limited to his individual performance. Casanova’s leadership both on and off the field helped shape the future of the LSU football program and left a lasting legacy that still resonates today. His place in LSU’s history was secured when he was inducted into the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame, a recognition that encapsulates his profound influence on the school’s sports culture.

After his time at LSU, Casanova’s career took him into professional football. He was selected in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played for several seasons as a standout safety. Casanova’s time with the Bengals was marked by his incredible versatility and playmaking ability, but his football journey didn’t end with the NFL. In addition to his professional sports career, he also ventured into business and law, building a life that blended his passion for athletics with his intellect and drive.

Despite his professional success, Tommy never forgot his roots. His connection to LSU remained a cornerstone of his identity, and his commitment to giving back to the school and community was unwavering. Over the years, Casanova became deeply involved with LSU in a variety of ways, from mentoring current student-athletes to making regular appearances at alumni events. His dedication to the university and its programs remained a defining aspect of his life, and it became clear that his legacy would continue to impact LSU long after his time on the field.

In 2019, LSU fans celebrated a milestone in the school’s football history when the Tigers won the College Football Playoff National Championship. For many, the victory brought back memories of LSU’s greats who paved the way for that historic moment. Tommy Casanova was undoubtedly one of those greats, and his pride in the university and its football program was evident as he watched the Tigers rise to glory once again. It was at this moment that Casanova’s return to LSU seemed more than just a possibility—it felt inevitable.

In May 2025, the news that Tommy Casanova would be returning to LSU in the role of Special Assistant to the Athletic Director was met with widespread excitement and admiration. His return marked the beginning of a new chapter in his lifelong relationship with LSU, where he would contribute his vast experience, insight, and passion to the ongoing success of the athletic department. As the Special Assistant to the Athletic Director, Casanova’s role is designed to bridge the gap between LSU’s athletic programs, administration, and its alumni base, providing invaluable advice and support in shaping the future of LSU athletics.

This position was created with an eye toward leveraging the knowledge and influence of LSU’s legends, like Casanova, who have experienced the highs and lows of collegiate athletics. His primary responsibilities will include working closely with LSU’s Athletic Director, helping to guide decision-making processes, and supporting fundraising initiatives. Additionally, he will serve as a liaison to alumni and boosters, ensuring that LSU continues to foster a strong sense of community and support for its programs. His role will also allow him to work with student-athletes, offering mentorship and guidance based on his own experiences as both a student and an athlete.

For Casanova, returning to LSU in this capacity is more than just a job; it is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream to give back to the place that shaped his character and his career. His knowledge of the university’s culture, its history, and its future makes him uniquely qualified to help navigate LSU through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As a former student-athlete, he understands the delicate balance between academics and athletics and is passionate about ensuring that future generations of Tigers experience the same success he did.

Tommy Casanova’s return to LSU goes beyond the realm of athletics. It symbolizes a broader commitment to the values of integrity, hard work, and excellence that are at the core of LSU’s identity. His influence will undoubtedly help further solidify LSU’s reputation as one of the premier institutions for college athletics, while also emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and personal development for student-athletes.

For current athletes, Casanova’s presence will serve as an inspiring reminder of the heights that LSU’s athletic programs can achieve. His legacy will provide a model of what it means to excel not just in sports but also in life after athletics. For alumni, his return will help strengthen the bond between the university and its former athletes, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie that transcends generations.

In an era where college athletics is constantly evolving, with increased focus on recruitment, marketing, and media exposure, having a figure like Tommy Casanova in a leadership role brings a sense of stability and tradition. His return signals that LSU is committed to preserving its rich legacy while also adapting to the ever-changing landscape of college sports

As Tommy Casanova steps into his new role at LSU, he remains an enduring symbol of the values that have made LSU athletics great. His achievements on the football field and the track are unparalleled, but his lasting legacy will likely be defined by his impact off the field: as a mentor, leader, and advocate for LSU’s student-athletes. For him, this new role represents the perfect intersection of his personal passions and professional experiences. The influence he wields in Baton Rouge will be felt for years to come, as he continues to shape the future of LSU athletics and support the next generation of Tigers.

His legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and above all, a deep love for LSU. Casanova’s return to Baton Rouge is a reminder of the profound connection that exists between athletes and the institutions that define them. For Tommy, it is not just about returning to his alma mater—it is about coming home, where his heart has always been.

Tommy Casanova’s story is one of greatness, resilience, and commitment, and his return to LSU as the Special Assistant to the Athletic Director marks another chapter in a legacy that has spanned decades. As LSU moves forward, it does so with a champion in its corner—someone who has not only seen the highs and lows of athletics but has lived them. Casanova’s return is a testament to the enduring power of LSU’s athletic culture, and it provides a hopeful vision for the future of the program. As a living embodiment of LSU’s values and traditions, Tommy Casanova will continue to inspire and lead, ensuring that the Tigers remain on the path to success for years to come.