James Casey (American football)

James Byron Casey (born September 22, 1984) is an American football tight end and fullback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rice University and played baseball and football at Azle High School.

Baseball career
Casey was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the seventh round of the 2003 MLB Draft. He played in the White Sox organization for three years before retiring after 2006 to pursue a career in football.

College career
After retiring from baseball Casey chose to play college football at Rice University. As a freshman in 2007 Casey started four of 12 games recording 46 receptions for 585 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 144 rushing yards on 45 carries and five touchdowns as a running back and completed two of seven passes for 32 yards and an interception as a quarterback. He also played seven different positions in a game against Southern Mississippi.

As a sophomore in 2008 Casey started all 13 games at tight end earning third-team All-American and first-team All-Conference USA honors. He finished the season setting a single-season school record for receptions with 111 for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also added 241 rushing yards on 57 carries and six touchdowns and completed two of five passes for five yards.

After his sophomore year Casey announced that he would enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

Casey graduated from Rice with a triple major in Economics, Sports Management, and Managerial Studies and a 3.84 GPA.

Houston Texans
Casey was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. In his first game as starter, Casey caught three passes for 29 yards, but did not record a carry. In 2011, Casey was named the Texans starting fullback.

Philadelphia Eagles
Casey signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 12, 2013.