David John Casper (born February 2, 1952 in Bemidji, Minnesota) is a retired American football player and Pro Footbal Hall of Famer. He was an offensive lineman and tight end. His nickname was "The Ghost."
Dave spent his high school years at Chilton High School in Chilton, Wisconsin.
Casper played collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned Honorable Mention All-America as a tackle in 1972. In 1973 he was an All-American at tight end.
He was drafted in the second round of the 1974 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. Casper only caught a total of 9 passes his first two seasons, but was a top 10 receiver in 1976. That season he had 53 catches for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns.
One of Casper's most memorable games as a Raider came in a 1977 Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Colts. Casper made an over-the-head catch of a soft pass lofted by Ken Stabler on "The Ghost to the Post.". The 42-yard reception set up a game-tying field goal that forced overtime and the Raiders went on to a 37-31 victory with Casper's 10-yard touchdown reception in the second overtime period. He finished the game 4 receptions for 70 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Casper caught the first touchdown of Super Bowl XI, a 32-14 Raiders victory over the Minnesota Vikings. As a Raider, Casper was selected to four straight Pro Bowls (1976-1979).
Midway through the 1980 season Casper was traded to the Houston Oilers for their first and second round draft picks. He was reunited with his former Raider quarterback, Ken Stabler, when he was traded to the Oilers. He finished the 1980 season with 56 receptions and was named to his fifth Pro Bowl. In 1984 he returned to the Raiders for his final NFL season.
Casper finished his pro career with 378 receptions, 5,216 yards and 52 touchdowns. In 2002 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was the 13th Raider to be inducted.
