NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—In his first year as a New York Giant, New Brunsick native Jonathan Casillas had a career-high 88 tackles, as well as two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception, despite starting just seven games.

Casillas, once a star player for the New Brunswick High School Zebras, made his presence felt from the very beginning of the season.

Whether it was on special teams, in the starting lineup, or coming off of the bench on third and fourth downs, Casillas was one of the Giants’ top defensive playmakers all season long. big hits, strips, forcing fumbles, saving touchdowns, and batting down passes.

Casillas, who has previously played for three other pro teams, played a very important role in the Giants’ defense during the 2015 season.  Week in and week out, Casillas showed up and performed like the veteran player that he is.

This was Casillas sevenh season in the NFL.

After playing for the the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots and winning two Superbowl rings along the way, Casillas now gets to enjoy playing at MetLife stadium in his home state in front of his family members, friends and people who watched him grow up as a person and professional football player.

Just minutes outside of the city where he was born and a short trip from where he was raised, you’ll find Casillas working hard and adding to his long list of accomplishments.

Casillas, who had to change his jersey number for the first time since being in the NFL, now sports #54 for the Giants.

Casillas has continued to spend time giving back to the community and helping whenever he has the chance to. Whether its its in Jersey City handing out hot meals and Thanksgiving turkeys or in New Brunswick hosting his annual “Forward Progress” football and Lifeskills Camp and charity basketball games at NBHS.

Casillas also attented the Chritsmas tree lighting downtown as a guest of honor along with the Mayor of New Brunswick Jim Cahill.

“It is my absolute honor to be able to give back to my community and the school that has raised me and helped me to become the man I am today,” Casillas said. 

Although Casillas did not make it to the Super Bowl this year, he has a lot to be proud of.

The 2009 Undrafted free agent is a now a two-time world champion who just posted career-high numbers in his seventh season in the NFL. Casillas is back home playing in New Jersey with his eyes on winning a third Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants.