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Jurrell Casey
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Jurrell Juel Casey (born December 5, 1989) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans, and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. In nine seasons with the Titans as both a defensive tackle and a defensive end, he was an All-Pro in 2013 and a five-time Pro Bowl selection from 2015 to 2019. He played his 10th and final professional season for the Denver Broncos, but missed most of the season due to injury.

Key Information

College career

[edit]

Casey played for the USC Trojans football team while attending the University of Southern California from 2008 to 2010.[1] As a freshman in 2008, he played in 12 games for the Trojans recording 12 tackles and three forced fumbles. As a sophomore in 2009, Casey became a starter and was All-Pac-10 honorable mention.

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Casey was one of 26 defensive tackles to receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.[2] He completed all of the combine drills and had a slower 40-yard dash than expected, after running in the 4.93–5.08 range before the combine. On March 30, 2011, Casey attended USC's pro day, along with Tyron Smith, Jordan Cameron, Butch Lewis, Ronald Johnson, Mitch Mustain, Shareece Wright, Malcolm Smith, Allen Bradford, C. J. Gable, David Ausberry, Stanley Havili, Mike Morgan, and six other prospects. He ran the 40-yard dash (4.97), 20-yard dash (2.88), and 10-yard dash (1.75) and lowered his time in all three, while also running positional drills for scouts and team representatives from 31 NFL teams, that included head coaches Jason Garrett (Cowboys) and Hue Jackson (Raiders).[3] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Casey was projected to be a second or third round pick. He was ranked the seventh best defensive tackle by Bleacher Report and the 11th best defensive tackle prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[4][5]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+5⁄8 in
(1.84 m)		 300 lb
(136 kg)		 32 in
(0.81 m)		 8+7⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.97 s 1.75 s 2.88 s 4.78 s 7.51 s 27.5 in
(0.70 m)		 8 ft 5 in
(2.57 m)		 26 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[6][7][8]

Tennessee Titans

[edit]

2011–2013: Early career and Second–Team All-Pro

[edit]

The Tennessee Titans selected Casey in the third round (77th overall) of the 2011 NFL draft. He was the 19th defensive linemen selected in 2011.[9] On July 29, 2011, the Tennessee Titans signed Casey to a four-year, $2.73 million contract.[10]

Throughout training camp, Casey competed against Tony Brown, Shaun Smith, Jason Jones, Jovan Haye, Karl Klug, and Sen'Derrick Marks for the starting defensive tackle job.[11] Head coach Mike Munchak named him the starting right defensive tackle along with Shaun Smith.[12]

Casey made his first NFL start and his NFL debut in the season-opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars and finished the 16–14 loss with four combined tackles. He made his first career tackle with Barrett Ruud on running back Maurice Jones-Drew after a two-yard gain.[13] On October 9, 2011, Casey recorded four combined tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the Titans lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 38–17. On January 1, 2012, he collected a season-high six combined tackles and a season-high 1+1⁄2 sacks on Matt Schaub during the Titans' 23–22 loss at the Houston Texans. Casey finished his rookie year with 52 combined tackles (39 solo), five tackles for a loss, 2+1⁄2 sacks, a pass deflection, and 22 special teams tackles in 16 games and 15 starts.[14][15][16]

Casey returned in 2012 and competed against Shaun Smith, Sen'Derrick Marks, and Karl Klug to maintain his starting defensive tackle position. He was named the starting right defensive tackle, opposite Sen'Derrick Marks, to begin the regular season.[17]

On September 23, Casey recorded a season-high seven combined tackles during a 44–41 loss to the Detroit Lions.[18] In Week 9, he collected five combined tackles, sacked quarterback Jay Cutler, and caused a forced fumble in a 51–20 loss to the Chicago Bears.[19] On December 30, 2012, Casey made five solo tackles and recorded his third sack of the season on Chad Henne during the Titans' 38–20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.[20] He finished the season with a total of 54 combined tackles (34 solo), three sacks, and forced fumble in 16 games and 16 starts.[21]

Casey in 2013

Throughout training camp, he competed with Sammie Lee Hill, Karl Klug, and Mike Martin for the role as starting defensive tackle after Sen'Derrick Marks departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. Mike Munchak named him the starting right defensive tackle for the third consecutive season, along with Sammie Lee Hill.[22]

He started in the Tennessee Titans' season-opener at the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded three solo tackles and sacked Ben Roethliserger twice during a 16–9 victory.[23] On November 3, 2013, Casey recorded a season-high six solo tackles and had two sacks on St. Louis Rams' quarterback Kellen Clemens in Tennessee's 28–21 victory.[24] The following week, he made six solo tackles and sacked Chad Henne during a 29–27 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This marled his third consecutive game with a sack and was his seventh sack of the season.[25] In Week 15, Casey recorded a season-high nine combined tackles and had 1+1⁄2 sacks on Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Carson Palmer in the Titans' 37–34 overtime loss.[26] The following week, Casey suffered a knee injury during a 20–16 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed the following game of the season due to the injury.[27] He completed the 2013 season with 55 combined tackles (38 solo), a career-high 10+1⁄2 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 15 games and 14 starts. Casey and teammate Delanie Walker were both voted to the 2014 Pro Bowl as alternates, but both declined ahead of time, stating they wouldn't attend as alternate. Many media members and fans saw his vote as an alternate as a snub after his 10+1⁄2 sack season.[28][29] Head coach Mike Munchak was fired after the Titans finished with a 7–9 record.[30]

2014–2019: Pro Bowl seasons

[edit]

On August 27, 2014, the Titans signed Casey to a four-year, $36 million contract extension with $20.5 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10.6 million.[31]

Casey entered the 2014 season slated as the starting defensive tackle. The Titans' new head coach Ken Whisenhunt and defensive coordinator Ray Horton opted to implement a hybrid 3-4 defense.[32] On September 14, 2014, Casey made two solo tackles and two sacks on quarterback Tony Romo as the Titans lost to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 26–10. During a Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Casey collected a season-high nine combined tackles and made two sacks on quarterback Blake Bortles during a 16–14 victory.[33] Casey finished the 2014 season with a career-high 68 combined tackles (45 solo) and five sacks in 16 games and 16 starts.[34] Casey was voted to the 2015 Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season as an alternate, but again declined ahead of time.[35]

Casey returned as the de facto starting right defensive tackle in his second consecutive season under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. He started in the season-opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and made three solo tackles and a sack on Jameis Winston during a 42–14 victory.[36] In Week 5, he made six combined tackles and a season-high 1.5 sacks on quarterback Tyrod Taylor in a narrow 14–13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.[37] On December 13, Casey collected a season-high seven combined tackles in the Titans' 30–8 loss at the New York Jets. On January 25, 2016, it was announced that Casey and teammate Delanie Walker would appear in the 2016 Pro Bowl in place of Carolina Panthers' tight end Greg Olsen and defensive tackle Kawann Short since they were unable to play due to Panthers appearing in Super Bowl 50.[38] On January 31, 2016, Casey appeared in the Pro Bowl for Deion Sanders' team and recorded two combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in their 49–27 victory.[39] After a 1–6 record, head coach Ken Whisenhunt was fired and replaced by tight ends coach Mike Mularkey.[40]

Casey remained the starting right defensive end under new head coach Mike Mularkey and new defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. On October 9, he recorded two solo tackles and two sacks on quarterback Ryan Tannehill as the Titans defeated the Miami Dolphins by a score of 30–17. In Week 9, Casey made a season-high eight combined tackles as the Titans lost 43–35 at the San Diego Chargers. He was inactive for the Titans' Week 14 victory over the Denver Broncos after suffering a sprained foot.[41] On December 20, 2016, Casey was named to the 2017 Pro Bowl, along with teammates DeMarco Murray, Brian Orakpo, Taylor Lewan, and Delanie Walker.[42] Casey recorded 44 combined tackles, five sacks, and five pass deflections in 15 games and 15 starts.[43] On January 1, 2017, Casey collected six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made two sacks on quarterback Brock Osweiler as the Titans defeated the Houston Texans by a score of 24–17.[44] Pro Football Focus gave Casey an overall grade of 87.1, which ranked him tenth among all qualified interior defensive linemen in 2016.[45] He was ranked 86th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.[46]

On July 28, 2017, the Tennessee Titans signed Casey to a four-year, $60.4 million contract extension, that includes $24 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $8 million.[47][10]

On October 1, Casey recorded seven combined tackles and sacked quarterback Deshaun Watson during a 57–14 loss to the Houston Texans. In Week 14, he collected five solo tackles and two sacks on quarterback Blaine Gabbert in a 12–7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.[48] On December 19, 2017, Casey was named to his third straight Pro Bowl.[49] He finished the 2017 season with 60 combined tackles (41 solo), six sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 16 starts. Pro Football Focus gave Casey an overall grade of 89.7, which ranked ninth among all qualified interior defensive linemen in 2017.[50] He was ranked 66th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[51]

In 2018, Casey started the first 15 games before suffering a knee injury in Week 16. He was placed on injured reserve on December 24, 2018.[52] He finished the season with 62 tackles, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles, on his way to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. Due to rehabbing his injury, Casey did not participate in the Pro Bowl.[53] He was ranked 92nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.[54]

Casey alongside Cameron Heyward at the 2020 Pro Bowl

During Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, Casey recorded his first sack of the season on Matt Ryan as the Titans won on the road 24–10. Three weeks later against the Los Angeles Chargers, he recovered a fumble forced by teammate Wesley Woodyard on running back Melvin Gordon on the goal line late in the fourth quarter which sealed a 23–20 victory.[55] In the next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Casey recorded his second sack of the season on Jameis Winston as the Titans won 27–23. He missed Weeks 9 and 10 due to a shoulder injury. During a Week 14 31–17 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Casey recorded his third sack of the season. From Weeks 16–17, he recorded one sack in each game.

Casey continued his momentum in the playoffs. In the divisional round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens, he sacked quarterback Lamar Jackson twice, one of which was a strip-sack that was recovered by teammate Jeffery Simmons. The Titans went on to win on the road 28–12.[56]

On January 20, 2020, Casey was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, replacing the Super Bowl-bound Chris Jones.[57]

Denver Broncos

[edit]

On March 19, 2020, Casey was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a seventh-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft.[58] Recalling the trade, Casey said the Titans "discarded him like trash".[59] He was placed on injured reserve on September 28, 2020, with a torn biceps.[60] He was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 7,[61] and moved back to injured reserve on November 20.[62] Casey was released by the Broncos on February 25, 2021.[63]

Retirement

[edit]

Casey announced his retirement from the NFL on September 2, 2021.[64]

NFL career statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF FR Yds TD
2011 TEN 16 15 52 39 13 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0
2012 TEN 16 16 54 34 20 3.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
2013 TEN 15 14 55 38 17 10.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0
2014 TEN 16 16 68 46 22 5.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015 TEN 16 16 54 34 20 7.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0
2016 TEN 15 15 44 31 13 5.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0
2017 TEN 16 16 60 41 19 6.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
2018 TEN 15 15 62 36 26 7.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0
2019 TEN 14 14 44 26 16 5.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0
2020 DEN 3 3 14 7 7 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0
Career 142 140 507 332 175 51.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 15 8 5 1 0

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 TEN 2 2 7 3 4 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2019 TEN 3 3 8 6 2 2.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
Career 5 5 15 9 6 2.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0

Personal life

[edit]

Casey is a Christian. Casey is married to Ryann Casey. They have two sons.[65]

Jurrell and Ryann Casey created The Casey Fund, a charitable organization that "supports community-based organizations that address the needs of at-risk youth and formerly incarcerated individuals".[66]

Casey and teammate Wesley Woodyard coach a women's flag football team composed of wives and significant others of Titans players.[67]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jurrell Casey

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jurrell Casey (born December 5, 1989) is a former who played ten seasons in the (NFL), primarily for the from 2011 to 2019 before a brief stint with the in 2020. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 305 pounds, Casey was known for his quickness off the line, powerful punch, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass games, amassing 51 sacks and 567 combined tackles over 142 games (140 starts) in his career. He announced his on September 2, 2021, at age 31, citing the physical toll of the game and a desire to move on after a decade as one of the league's most consistent interior defenders. Casey attended the (USC), where he played for the Trojans from 2007 to 2010. As a junior in 2009, he emerged as a standout, recording 59 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in 13 games, earning All-Pac-10 honorable mention honors. The Titans selected him in the third round (77th overall) of the , valuing his explosive athleticism and low center of gravity despite his shorter stature for the position. In his professional career, Casey quickly became a cornerstone of the Titans' defense, leading the team in sacks with 10.5 in 2013, a season in which he earned Second-Team recognition. He followed that with five consecutive selections from 2015 to 2019, during which he recorded at least seven sacks in two of those years (7.0 in 2015 and 2018). Traded to the Broncos in March 2020 for a seventh-round draft pick amid considerations, he appeared in three games that season before suffering a season-ending and was released by the team in February 2021, ultimately announcing his retirement at a at Nissan Stadium.

Early life and education

High school career

Jurrell Casey was born on December 5, 1989, in , where he was raised by his single mother, Collette Burns. He grew up in the Long Beach area, attending , a powerhouse program known for producing professional athletes. At Poly, Casey demonstrated exceptional athletic versatility, participating in football, , and . In football, Casey excelled as a two-way starter, playing both offensive and defensive line. As a senior defensive lineman in 2007, he recorded 72 tackles, 18 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles, earning widespread recognition for his disruptive presence. His performance that year garnered multiple accolades, including second-team All-American honors from EA Sports, Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year, Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 first team, Orange County Register Fab 15 third team, Student Sports All-California first team, and Long Beach Century Club offensive lineman of the year. During his recruitment, Casey attracted attention from top college programs and received scholarship offers from schools including USC, , and . He ultimately committed to the , drawn by its proximity to home, the program's prestige, and familial connections in the region. Beyond football, Casey played as a and competed in events such as the shot put, further highlighting his multi-sport prowess at Poly. This high school foundation prepared him for his transition to at USC.

College career

Casey enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2007 and redshirted his freshman season, during which he earned the team's Service Team Defensive Player of the Year Award. As a true freshman in 2008, Casey appeared in 12 games for the Trojans, registering 12 tackles—including two for loss—and one forced fumble while primarily serving as a rotational defensive tackle. His contributions helped USC secure the Pac-10 championship with an 8-1 conference record and a berth in the Rose Bowl. In his sophomore campaign of 2009, Casey emerged as a full-time starter at , lining up in all 13 games—twice at nose tackle and 11 times at tackle—and leading the team with three fumble recoveries to go along with 59 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. For his breakout performance, he received All-Pac-10 honorable mention honors, Phil Steele All-Pac-10 first-team recognition, second-team Sophomore All-American accolades from College Football News, and co-Lineman of the Year laurels from USC. Casey anchored the defensive line as a junior in , starting all 13 contests amid a season marked by injuries to other front-seven players, and posted 67 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one , and one fumble recovery while leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss. These efforts propelled USC to an 8-5 overall record and earned him first-team All-Pac-10 selection, USC's Defensive Lineman of the Year award (his second straight), and the program's Football Most Valuable Player honor. Throughout his college tenure, Casey was recognized for quietly providing leadership to the Trojans' defensive line, drawing double-teams that created opportunities for teammates and adapting to three different position coaches. Over three seasons of action from 2008 to 2010, Casey played in 38 games with 26 starts, compiling 138 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and one . He declared for the following his junior year.

Professional career

Pre-draft and entry into NFL

Following his junior season at USC, Jurrell Casey declared for the , gaining special eligibility as an underclassman after three college seasons. His combination of compact size at 6 feet 1 inch and 305 pounds, along with his explosive pass-rushing ability, positioned him as a projected mid-round selection, often pegged for the early rounds of Day 2 (rounds 2-3). These attributes, highlighted by his quick first step and leverage in college, drew interest despite concerns over his height for a traditional . At the in February 2011, Casey demonstrated notable strength for his frame, completing 26 repetitions on the 225-pound while running the in 5.04 seconds. These performances underscored his power and functional speed, helping to mitigate perceptions of his shorter stature relative to prototypical defensive tackles, though his overall athleticism ranked moderately among draft-eligible linemen. The selected Casey in the third round, 77th overall, during the on April 29. On July 29, 2011, he signed a four-year contract with the Titans valued at $2.73 million, including $617,436 in guarantees. Upon entering , Casey was expected to serve in a rotational role as a behind established veterans like Sen'Derrick Marks in the Titans' base 4-3 defensive scheme. The focus for the was on developing within the professional system, leveraging his run-stopping prowess and pass-rush potential to contribute situationally while acclimating to speed and schemes.

Tennessee Titans tenure

Jurrell Casey was selected by the in the third round (77th overall) of the out of USC, where he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team's defensive line rebuild following several underwhelming seasons. As a , he appeared in all 16 games with 15 starts, recording 52 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks, contributing to a defense that ranked 12th in the league in points allowed. In 2012, Casey started all 16 games and tallied 54 tackles with 3 sacks, showing steady improvement in run defense and . His breakout came in 2013, when he notched 55 tackles and a career-high 10.5 sacks across 15 games, earning Second-Team honors for his disruptive interior presence. Casey's performance elevated further in the mid-2010s, solidifying his status as one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles. In 2014, he led the Titans with 68 tackles and added 4.5 sacks in 16 starts, prompting the team to secure his future with a four-year, $36 million contract extension that included $20.5 million guaranteed. He earned his first selection in 2015 after registering 54 tackles and 7 sacks, followed by consistent recognition through 2019 as a five-time . Peak seasons included 2017, with 60 tackles and 6 sacks, after which the Titans extended him again on a four-year, $60.4 million deal with $40 million guaranteed, affirming his role in the team's defensive resurgence under . That year, Casey's efforts helped the Titans' defense rank sixth in sacks league-wide. Throughout his nine seasons with the Titans, Casey was instrumental in transforming the defensive line from a liability into a strength, mentoring younger players and anchoring the front in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. His tenacity against the run and ability to collapse pockets were pivotal in the team's 2019 playoff run, where he started all three postseason games and recorded 2.5 sacks, including two on quarterback in the divisional-round victory that propelled Tennessee to the . Over 139 regular-season games (137 starts) with the Titans, Casey amassed 493 combined tackles, 51 sacks, 12 passes defended, and zero interceptions, ranking fifth in franchise history for sacks by a defensive lineman at the time of his departure.

Denver Broncos season

On March 18, 2020, the traded Jurrell Casey to the in exchange for a seventh-round pick (No. 237 overall) in the , as the Titans sought to alleviate constraints ahead of the new league year. The move allowed Denver to bolster its defensive line with a proven , acquiring the remaining years of Casey's contract, which included a base salary of $11.25 million for the 2020 season. Casey joined a Broncos defense transitioning to a 3-4 base scheme under new coordinator , where he was slotted as a starting to provide leadership for a young unit featuring players like and . In the early part of the season, he adapted to the scheme's emphasis on versatility and gap control, starting all three games he played and recording 14 total tackles (7 solo). However, his tenure was cut short by a torn injury sustained during a Week 3 loss to the on September 27, 2020, leading to his placement on injured reserve and ending his season. Despite the abbreviated stint, Casey's brief presence offered stability to Denver's front, which ranked 4th in the against the run, allowing 88.4 rushing yards per game. The Broncos finished the campaign with a 5-11 record, missing the for the fifth straight year, as the defense struggled overall with injuries and inconsistency. Casey's veteran experience from nine seasons with the Titans, where he earned five selections, was intended to mentor the line but was limited by his injury.

Retirement

Following the 2020 season, during which Jurrell Casey played in three games for the before suffering a season-ending biceps tear, he contemplated returning to the but ultimately prioritized his family's well-being and his long-term health over continuing to play. Released by the Broncos in February 2021, Casey received offers from other teams during the offseason but chose not to sign with any. On September 2, 2021, he officially retired from professional football after 10 seasons. Casey made the announcement at a press conference held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, retiring as a Tennessee Titan despite his brief stint in Denver. He expressed satisfaction with his accomplished career, stating it had been a "hard decision" but the right one to shift focus away from the physical demands of the game. During the event, Casey highlighted his gratitude toward the Titans organization for the opportunities and support throughout his tenure, emphasizing that he would "be a Titan forever." In reflecting on his , Casey noted personal signs that it was time to step away, such as sleeping later than his usual routine and lacking motivation for workouts, which signaled a diminishing passion for the . He did not pursue immediate opportunities in or , instead embracing a sense of contentment with his achievements. Post-, Casey concentrated on recovering from accumulated injuries, including a strained MCL in his knee from 2018 that had sidelined him for the end of that season. In subsequent years, he has been recognized for his contributions, with former teammates and observers affirming his deserving place in the Titans' .

Career statistics

Regular season

Jurrell Casey appeared in 142 regular season games over his 10-year NFL career, starting 140 of them, while accumulating 507 combined tackles (332 solo and 175 assisted), 51.0 sacks, 15 passes defended, 8 forced fumbles, 0 interceptions, and 5 fumble recoveries. His statistical output varied year to year, with notable peaks including a career-high 10.5 sacks in 2013 and 68 combined tackles in 2014. The following table summarizes his regular season defensive statistics from 2011 to 2020, per Pro-Football-Reference data.
YearTeamGPGSCombSoloAstSacksPDFFFRInt
2011TEN16155239132.51110
2012TEN16165434203.00200
2013TEN151455381710.52110
2014TEN16166846225.00000
2015TEN16165434207.03000
2016TEN15154431135.05000
2017TEN16166041196.01100
2018TEN15156236267.00210
2019TEN14144426185.00120
2020DEN3314770.03000
Career-14214050733217551.015850
Casey primarily aligned as a defensive tackle throughout his career, logging over 95% of his snaps in interior positions, with occasional alignments at defensive end early on. His snap counts peaked at 910 in 2014, representing about 87% of team defensive plays that year, and he maintained high participation rates above 80% in most seasons from 2013 to 2019. Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus highlight Casey's strengths in run defense and pass rushing. In 2017, he earned an overall grade of 89.7, ranking ninth among interior defensive linemen. In 2018, he recorded 44 total pressures despite playing through injury. These performances aligned with his five Pro Bowl selections, particularly following seasons with elevated sack and tackle totals.

Postseason

Jurrell Casey appeared in five postseason games during his NFL career, all with the in and 2019, starting each contest as a focused primarily on pass rushing. In the playoffs, Casey contributed to the Titans' Wild Card victory over the and their Divisional Round loss to the , recording seven total tackles (three solo and four assisted) with no sacks but including one pass defensed, two hits, and one tackle for loss. His efforts helped disrupt opposing offenses, though the Titans' defense struggled to contain the Patriots' attack in the second game. Casey's most impactful postseason came in 2019, where the Titans advanced to the after defeating the 20–13 in the Wild Card round and the 28–12 in the Divisional Round before falling 35–24 to the . In the Wild Card win against the Patriots, he tallied four tackles and two sacks, pressuring quarterback effectively. Against the Ravens, Casey added one tackle and 0.5 sack, while in the Championship loss to the Chiefs, he recorded three tackles and 0.5 sack along with one forced fumble. These performances built on his strong regular-season form, where he led the Titans with 8.0 sacks. Over his postseason career, Casey amassed 15 total tackles (nine solo and six assisted), 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one pass defensed, five hits, and two tackles for loss across those five games. He had no playoff appearances during his 2020 stint with the , as the team finished 5–11 and missed the postseason.

Off-field life

Family and personal background

Jurrell Casey was born on December 5, 1989, in , and raised by his single mother, Collette Burns, in a close-knit environment. Burns, who worked as a school cafeteria worker, provided unwavering support as Casey grew up alongside his siblings, including his older brother Jurray, who was two years his senior and often acted as a protector during their youth. The brothers both participated in football, an activity introduced by their uncle Horace Burns, which helped steer Casey toward organized sports and away from the challenges of their neighborhood. This foundation emphasized resilience and mutual encouragement, with Casey crediting his mother's influence for instilling discipline and determination that shaped his personal growth. Casey married Ryann Gray on July 1, 2016, in Newport Coast, California, after the two met as students at the in a class focused on adolescent prevention. Ryann, now a in Nashville, has been a key partner in Casey's life, offering support through his career transitions and family milestones. The couple welcomed their first son, Nolan, in September 2018, followed by their second son, Peighton, in late 2019. Fatherhood profoundly impacted Casey's perspective, making him more appreciative of home life and family routines, such as his self-appointed role as "Mr. Bathtime," where he plays music to entertain his sons during evening rituals. He has described this phase as busier yet deeply fulfilling, highlighting how it shifted his priorities toward cherishing everyday moments with his children. Among Casey's personal interests, music plays a notable , as he incorporates it into activities like bath time concerts for his sons, reflecting a casual enjoyment that adds levity to his home life. Following his from the in September 2021, Casey's decision was heavily influenced by priorities, with his wife encouraging him to embrace relaxation and rest rather than pushing through waning motivation for the game. Post-, he has focused on with his in the Nashville area, where they settled during his Titans tenure, allowing him to prioritize his as a husband and father in a more balanced daily routine.

Philanthropy and activism

Jurrell Casey and his wife, Ryann, founded The Casey Fund in 2016 as a dedicated to supporting community-based initiatives that address the needs of at-risk and formerly incarcerated individuals through , , and sports programs in , and . The fund has hosted events such as free football skills camps and backpack giveaways to promote positive development among underserved . Casey partnered with the to organize youth football camps, where he provided hands-on instruction and life lessons to participants, including offensive and defensive linemen in Nashville-area events. Through The Casey Fund, he collaborated with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, escorting cancer fighters and survivors at fundraising fashion shows and supporting awareness efforts in Nashville. In terms of activism, Casey protested racial injustice by raising his fist after the during the and continued demonstrations in subsequent years, including standing with a during the 2020 season with the while teammates knelt. He expressed commitment to causes, aligning with broader efforts on and during his time in . Following his retirement in 2021, Casey expanded The Casey Fund's efforts, committing over $75,000 since then to organizations serving underserved communities, including initiatives in explored during his 2020 stint with the Broncos. In 2025, he continued representing the Titans at community events, such as fan meet-and-greets and discussions on giving back. Casey received recognition for his off-field contributions, including being named the Titans' nominee for the NFL's NFL Man of the Year award in 2018 and for a second time in 2025, and serving as a finalist for the 2019 Mary Catherine Strobel Direct Service Volunteer Award in .

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/14047/jurrell-casey
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CaseJu00.htm
  3. https://www.nfl.com/news/former-titans-dt-jurrell-casey-announces-retirement-after-10-seasons
  4. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32132449/five-pro-bowl-dl-jurrell-casey-retires-nfl-10-seasons-tennessee-titans-denver-broncos
  5. https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/roster/jurrell-casey/1597
  6. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jurrell-casey/32004341-5322-4804-91b1-2b933dc47f5c
  7. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/former-titans-dl-jurrell-casey-announces-retirement-after-10-nfl-seasons
  8. https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-release-veteran-dt-jurrell-casey-after-one-season
  9. https://heavy.com/sports/2018/07/jurrell-casey-family-wife-brother-mother/
  10. https://247sports.com/player/jurrell-casey-5679/
  11. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jurrell-casey-1.html
  12. https://usctrojans.com/news/2008/12/6/No_5_USC_Pac_10_Champs_with_Win_Against_UCLA
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/southern-california/2008.html
  14. https://usctrojans.com/news/2010/12/12/Jurrell_Casey_Named_USC_Football_MVP
  15. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/southern-california/2010.html
  16. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-aug-25-la-sp-jurrell-casey-20100826-story.html
  17. https://www.patriots.com/news/2011-nfl-draft-early-entries-86881
  18. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/595975-2011-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-25-defensive-line-draft-prospects
  19. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2011-combine.htm
  20. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/jurrell-casey-7796/
  21. https://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/4/29/2144001/2011-nfl-draft-results-tennessee-titans-select-jurrell-casey
  22. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/691400-2011-nfl-draft-recap-tennessee-titans-want-to-dominate-the-defensive-line-again
  23. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-reaction-to-selection-of-casey-4917184
  24. https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-jurrell-casey-signs-four-year-36m-extension-0ap3000000384451
  25. https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/26711/jurrell-casey-the-best-defensive-tackle-nobody-knows-about
  26. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CaseJu00/gamelog/post/
  27. https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-acquire-dt-jurrell-casey-for-20-draft-pick-0ap3000001106801
  28. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28921263/sources-titans-trade-star-dl-jurrell-casey-broncos-draft-pick
  29. https://overthecap.com/player/jurrell-casey/1814
  30. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/dl-jurrell-casey-to-miss-remainder-of-2020-season-with-bicep-tear
  31. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/broncos-jurrell-casey-suffers-biceps-tear-and-his-2020-season-is-likely-over-per-report/
  32. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2020.htm
  33. https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/news/tennessee-titans-nfl-denver-broncos-jurrell-casey-time-to-retire
  34. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-dl-jurrell-casey-feels-the-love-on-the-day-he-retires-from-the-nfl
  35. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25608573/tennessee-titans-put-dl-jurrell-casey-ir-strained-mcl
  36. https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/titans/jurrell-casey-admits-retiring-on-own-terms-is-a-blessing/article_33c550e4-0cc3-11ec-adcb-57dc69af5abb.html
  37. https://www.pff.com/news/pro-tennessee-titans-2018-season-recap
  38. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/jurrell-casey-discusses-life-on-and-off-the-field-17966860
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/696339/2018/12/10/inspired-by-his-brother-jurrell-casey-provides-a-fresh-start-for-those-in-need/
  40. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/16097886/weddings-nfl-offseason-russell-wilson-sam-bradford-earl-thomas
  41. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/new-dad-jurrell-casey-is-one-tough-titan-but-he-insists-his-wife-is-the-beast-of
  42. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/five-pro-bowls-later-titans-dl-jurrell-casey-loving-his-new-life-and-his-role-as
  43. https://www.wkrn.com/news/i-will-be-a-titan-forever-jurrell-casey-to-retire-from-nfl/
  44. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/jurrell-casey-named-titans-walter-payton-man-of-the-year-18219559
  45. https://www.thecaseyfund.org/about
  46. https://www.presstelegram.com/sports/20160611/jurrell-caseys-free-football-camp-in-long-beach-draws-youth-players/
  47. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-dl-jurrell-casey-teaches-football-lessons-at-camp-18765415
  48. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-players-support-rally-on-the-runway
  49. https://rallyfoundation.org/thank-you-jurrell/
  50. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24132194/tennessee-titans-dl-jurrell-casey-protest-nfl-new-anthem-policy
  51. https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/14/broncos-kneel-national-anthem-week-1-vs-titans/
  52. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-launch-inspire-change-program-featuring-series-of-social-justice-initiat
  53. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/jurrell-casey-fund-denver-nashville-community-impact
  54. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/video/giving-back-to-the-community-beyond-the-pads
  55. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/photos/2025-meet-the-gm-event-season-ticket-members
  56. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/jurrell-casey-named-titans-walter-payton-man-of-the-year
  57. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/video/jurrell-casey-on-being-a-two-time-nominee-for-walter-payton-man-of-the-year
  58. https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/30/titans-dt-jurrell-casey-named-a-finalist-for-strobel-direct-service-volunteer-award/
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