Casey Hampton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Casey Hampton

Hampton with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016
No. 98
Position:	Nose tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1977-09-03) September 3, 1977 (age 47) Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	325 lb (147 kg)
Career information
High school:	Ball (Galveston)
College:	Texas (1996–2000)
NFL Draft:	2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19
Career history
Pittsburgh Steelers (2001–2012)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII) 5× Pro Bowl (2003, 2005–2007, 2009) Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2000) Consensus All-American (2000) First-team All-American (1999) 2× First-team All-Big 12 (1999, 2000) Second-team All-Big 12 (1998) 1999 Cotton Bowl Classic champion
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 398 Sacks: 9.0 Forced fumbles: 4 Fumble recoveries: 2
Player stats at PFR

Casey Hampton Jr. (born September 3, 1977) is a former American football player. He was a nose tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). Hampton played for twelve seasons, earning five Pro Bowl selections. He also helped the Steelers win two Super Bowl championships. Before joining the NFL, he was an All-American college football player. He played for the Texas Longhorns and was a first-round pick in the 2001 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Football

Casey Hampton was born in Galveston, Texas. He went to Ball High School in Galveston. There, he played both football and ran track. He was named the District Defensive Player of the Year twice. In his senior year, he was chosen for the Texas Class 5A All-State first team.

His high school jersey number, 63, was retired in his honor in 2009. Casey Hampton is the only football player from Ball High School to receive this special award. In track and field, he was also a top athlete. He was good at throwing events like the shot put and discus throw.

College Football Career

Hampton played college football at the University of Texas. He started 37 games in a row for the Texas Longhorns football team from 1997 to 2000. He was the first defensive lineman to lead his team in tackles for two years in a row (1999–2000). He made 329 tackles during his college career, which ranks him 11th all-time at the school.

Casey Hampton was known for putting pressure on quarterbacks. He also caused nine fumbles during his time in college. As a senior, he was recognized as a first-team All-American. He was also named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. In 1999, he was also a first-team All-American. He studied history while at the University of Texas.

In 2000, the student newspaper at Texas, The Daily Texan, described Hampton as "relentless." Casey Hampton once said, "You never know when your last play is going to be. So you should go hard all the time." His teammate, Greg Brown, said that Hampton was "so intent on destroying people that he never takes time to rest."

Professional Football Career

Casey Hampton was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. He was the 19th player picked overall. He was the fifth defensive tackle chosen in that draft.

Starting His NFL Journey (2001)

In July 2001, the Steelers signed Hampton to a five-year contract. He started his first regular season game in October 2001. He recorded his first career sack against quarterback Tim Couch. He finished his first year with 22 tackles and one sack. The Steelers' defense was ranked number one overall that season. They were also the best against the run.

The Steelers made it to the playoffs that year. Hampton played in his first playoff game in January 2002. The Steelers won their first playoff game but lost in the AFC Championship Game.

Building His Career (2002–2004)

In 2002, Hampton became the official starting nose tackle for the Steelers. He had a great game in Week 16, making two sacks and forcing two fumbles. He even recovered one of his own forced fumbles. He finished the season with 40 tackles and two sacks.

In 2003, Hampton continued as a key player on the defensive line. He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl in December 2003. He played in all 16 games that season. In 2004, he started the season strong. However, he suffered a serious knee injury (a torn ACL) in October. This injury ended his season early.

Super Bowl Champion (2005)

Hampton returned from his injury in 2005. He signed a new contract extension with the Steelers. He was a strong leader on the defensive line. He finished the season with 42 tackles.

The Steelers made it to the playoffs as a wildcard team. Hampton played well in the playoff games. He was also selected for the 2006 Pro Bowl as a replacement player. The Steelers reached Super Bowl XL. On February 5, 2006, Hampton helped the Steelers defeat the Seattle Seahawks 21–10. He recorded four tackles and a sack in the Super Bowl.

Continued Success (2006–2009)

Hampton warming up with the Steelers in November 2006

Hampton (98) during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006

Hampton continued to be the starting nose tackle in 2006. He missed one game due to a hamstring injury. He finished the season with 40 tackles. In December 2006, he was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl.

In 2007, Mike Tomlin became the new head coach for the Steelers. Hampton remained the starting nose tackle. He missed one game due to another hamstring injury. He recorded a career-high eight tackles in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In 2008, Hampton missed three games because of a groin injury. He returned and continued to play an important role. The Steelers had a great season, finishing with a 12–4 record. They earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Steelers reached Super Bowl XLIII. On February 1, 2009, Hampton started in Super Bowl XLIII. The Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27–23, earning Hampton his second Super Bowl ring.

In 2009, Hampton played in all 16 games. He had a career-high 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He was selected for the 2010 Pro Bowl.

Later Career (2010–2012)

Hampton in 2011

In 2010, the Steelers signed Hampton to a new three-year contract. He missed one game due to a hamstring injury. He finished the season with 20 tackles and one sack. The Steelers had another successful season, reaching Super Bowl XLV. On February 6, 2011, Hampton started in Super Bowl XLV. However, the Steelers lost to the Green Bay Packers 31–25.

In 2011, Hampton was sidelined for three games due to a shoulder injury. He finished his 11th season with 31 tackles. In 2012, Hampton had surgery on his ACL during the offseason. He restructured his contract to stay with the Steelers. He started all 16 games that season, recording 26 tackles.

Casey Hampton played in 157 regular season games during his career. He recorded 398 total tackles and 9.0 sacks. He also forced four fumbles and recovered two. After retiring, he has been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame several times.

NFL Career Statistics