Jets helmet on ground

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – AUGUST 07: A New York Jets helmet at NY Jets Practice Facility on August 7, 2011 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The New York Jets are in mourning this week.

Richard Caster, who played football at Jackson State and was taken in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, reportedly passed away Friday after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 75.

The tight end/wide receiver was named to three Pro Bowls in 1972, 1974, and 1975.

Family representative Kenny Zore confirmed Caster died in his sleep.

Richard Caster, former Jackson State star and New York Jets tight end, dies at 75 https://t.co/TZos6fJdEl

— Clarion Ledger (@clarionledger) February 4, 2024

His former college teammate, James Hartfield, confirmed Caster’s death to the Clarion Ledger, telling the paper, “I am really sad to hear about his passing. He was a great person and [a] great wide receiver.”

Caster spent 1970-77 with the Jets and is 10th in franchise history with 4,434 yards. His biggest year was likely in his third campaign as he racked up 833 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He is still seventh in team history with 36 touchdown receptions.

The 6-foot-5, 228-pound Alabama native also spent three years with the Houston Oilers before concluding his career with New Orleans and Washington. He scored 45 touchdowns and averaged 17.1 yards per reception.

He ended with 322 receptions, 5,515 yards and 45 touchdowns.