In 2016, the New York Giants linebacker consolidated his role as a central leader in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive cohort and set the tone for further progression come September.
The 30-year-old started a career-high 15 games last season and proved to be an integral part of a drastic New York Giants revival following a year in which the team’s defense was ranked 32nd in the league.
He now faces his most demanding campaign yet in New York as an experienced figure within a youthful, but albeit exciting, defensive unit.
With two Super Bowl triumphs under his belt – one as a rookie with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 and then with the New England Patriots in 2014 – Casillas represents the kind of winning role model invaluable to a team many suspect are close to mounting a serious postseason run.