Jackson, Miss. - Richard Caster, a star football player at Jackson State from 1966-69, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was living in New York at the time of his passing.
 
A native of Mobile, Ala., Caster was recruited to JSU by former head coach Rod Paige. Along with Paige's successor, Ulysses McPherson, the pair helped develop the Williamson High School graduate into a prototype tight end who was also a member of the relay team on the Tigers' track and field squad.
 
After graduating from JSU, Caster would go on to enjoy an illustrious 13-year career in the National Football League, including eight years with the New York Jets, followed by another five years with the Houston Oilers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Washington Redskins. He finished his pro career with 322 receptions, 5,515 yards, and 45 touchdowns. He averaged 17.1 yards per catch as a pro.
 
Caster is an inductee into the Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame, and he was honored as a member of JSU's All-Century Team and All-Centennial Team.
 
Visitation for Caster will be on Thursday, February 8 from 6-9 p.m. and on Friday, February 9 from 2-4 p.m. as well as 7-9 p.m., all in the Eastern Standard Time zone at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden Cit, N.Y.