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Santa Clara University Athletics

Casanega, Kenneth

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Black-and-white photo of a football player in a 1942 uniform holding a football.
Kenneth Casanega '42
  • Sport: Football
  • Years Attended: 1938-1942
  • 1st Round Pick in 1942 NFL Draft
  • Played 2 seasons for the 49ers
  • Inducted in 1965

Kenneth Casanega attended Santa Clara University from 1938-1942. As a Bronco he played halfback for the football team. After a successful collegiate athletic career, Casanega was picked 3rd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 1942 National Football League Draft. He valiantly turned down the offer to serve his country as an U.S. Naval Aviator during World War II. After Casagena’s tour with the Navy he was persuaded by a fellow SCU alum, Morabito, and a former Santa Clara coach, Buck Shaw, to join the newly franchised 49ers. In 1946 Casanega became one of the original San Francisco 49ers. He spent two seasons with the team and intercepted 8 passes, the 2nd most interceptions in the All-American Football Conference.

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