Ken Casanega

Kenneth Thomas Casanega (February 18, 1921 – October 10, 2021) was an American professional football player who was a quarterback for two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He played college football at Santa Clara University, having previously attended Castlemont High School in Oakland, California. He later was a school administrator.

College career Kenneth Casanega attended Santa Clara University from 1938 to 1942, and played halfback for the Broncos' football team. In 1965, he was inducted into the university's athletic hall of fame.

Naval service Casanega was picked with the 3rd overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 1942 NFL draft. He turned down the offer to serve his country as an U.S. Naval aviator during World War II. taking part in raids over the Philippines and around Japan. In the early 1970s he became superintendent in the Hollister School District in Hollister, California. He retired in 1981 and turned 100 in 2021.

Upon the death of Cecil Souders on August 31, 2021, Casanega became the oldest living NFL player. Casanega died in Medford, Oregon on October 10, 2021, at the age of 100.