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Service for former NFL star Rick Casares set for Tampa

 
Published Sept. 16, 2013

TAMPA — A service for former NFL great Rick Casares, a Tampa native who died last week at 82, is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

At Jefferson High School, he had played football, baseball and basketball and set a state record in the javelin toss. In 2007, the Florida High School Athletic Association ranked him among the 100 greatest football players in state history.

Mr. Casares became a star fullback for the University of Florida, where he scored the first touchdown in the Gator's first-ever bowl game. He went on to play for the Chicago Bears, where he at one time was the team's top rusher.

Mr. Casares was born in Tampa on July 4, 1931. He died Friday at his Tampa home.

Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N Dale Mabry Highway. A service then begins at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The burial is private.