Jonathan Casillas: From Super Bowl Champ to Community Champion

Jonathan Casillas has been a lot of things in his football life—Super Bowl winner, former New England Patriots and New York Giants linebacker, media personality—but perhaps his most impactful role now is mentor and community builder.

At a recent youth camp in Jersey City, Casillas stood alongside current and former players like Bobby Okereke, helping shape young athletes and young people.

“It’s awesome, bro… To see other teammates showing up, current Giants showing up for Bobby—it shows you, we’re not just sports,” Casillas said. “Kids need to see more guys like that coming out and doing something like this for them.”

Casillas, who now works as part of the Giants’ media team, is channeling his energy into inspiring the next generation, not just with his words, but with his presence.

A Giant on the Field—and Off It

Since retiring from football, Casillas has had to redefine his emotional connection to the game. Losses hit hard as a player, but as a broadcaster, he’s learned to dial it back.

“I just don’t have any expectations anymore because I can’t take that,” he admits. “When I played, I used to suffer when we lost. Now, as a media guy, I had to take my emotions out of it.”

But that doesn’t mean he’s lost his competitive fire. Casillas still watches the Giants with hope and urgency.

“You gotta be able to compete in your own division,” he said. “The Commanders are loading up, the Eagles are the Eagles, and I hate the Cowboys too—but they’re pretty good every year.”

Giving Back Where It Matters Most

What truly drives Casillas now is giving back—especially in the neighborhoods where he grew up.

“These are all my areas. I’m from Jersey, so I understand what it’s like to have a city, a county, a state behind you.”

He credits players like Bobby Okereke and even Saquon Barkley, who’s now with the Eagles, for making intentional efforts to integrate into local communities.

“They submerged themselves in the at-risk areas… Now you've got schools behind you, you've got districts behind you. Showing face matters.”

The For Progress Legacy

Now in its 10th year, Casillas is gearing up for another installment of the For Progress Football Camp, a free event in New Brunswick on June 8 aimed at giving kids exposure to sport, mentorship, and resources.

“If kids want to register, they can. People want to volunteer—just reach out. We’ll get you a shirt, get you some food, and get you ready to go.”

More Than the Game

Casillas’ transition from player to advocate proves that his greatest legacy may not be measured in tackles or trophies, but in lives changed.

He’s still a Giant. Just in a different way now.