Former Falcons football player and later actor Bernie Casey passed away last Tuesday at the age of 78 from complications of a stroke.

    “Bernie Casey was a true Renaissance man, and a role model for our students today,” President Mary Ellen Mazey said. “Bowling Green State University allowed him to develop his talents in and out of the classroom, from the artist’s studio to the football field, and his life was one of great achievement and service.”

    Casey was born on June 8, 1939, in the small town of Wyco, West Virginia. At a young age he moved to Columbus, Ohio, and discovered his talents for athletics, playing football and competing in track and field to eventually earn a scholarship to come to the University.

    While at the University, Casey set Mid-American Conference best time records for the 110-meter high-hurdles for three consecutive years, from 1958 to 1960.  Casey was also a part of the football team’s 1959 MAC championship-winning season, which is also the only season the team has gone undefeated since joining the MAC. Casey was able to play under legendary coach Doyt Perry, whom the team’s current stadium is named after. Also during this time, Casey was invited to the 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials for his talents in track and field.

    After finishing his run with the University, Casey joined the NFL  Draft and was selected in the first round, ninth overall, by the San Francisco 49ers as the highest selected Falcon football player in the NFL Draft. Casey played with San Francisco from 1961-66, then with the Los Angeles Rams from 1967-68.

    While San Francisco did not have much success during Casey’s tenure with the team (their best record being 7-6-1) Los Angeles made the playoffs in the 1967 season with an 11-1-2 record, winning the Coastal Division. Casey also earned a Pro Bowl berth in that season as well. While they were eventually defeated in the Western Conference championship game, the team followed up the strong effort with another good season, going 10-3-1, but the team missed the playoffs in what was to be Casey’s final year in the NFL.

    After wrapping up his football career, Casey transitioned into the film industry, starring in movies such as “Revenge of the Nerds,” “Brian’s Song” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” He was also a noted painter as well. In 1997, he wrote and directed his own film called “The Dinner.”