Cassel's father passes away
Greg Cassel, the father of Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel, died Monday night. He was 57.
"Our thoughts are with him and his family during this time," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said during his afternoon press conference at San Jose State, where the team began preparations today for Sunday's game at Oakland.
Belichick confirmed the quarterback has left the team to return home. Cassel is a native of Northridge, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles.
"Right now we're just taking it day to day," said Belichick, who said he was not sure when Cassel would return. "He's going to take care of what he has to do."
Belichick, whose father, Steve, passed away during the 2005 season, sympathized with Cassel's situation.
"It's bigger than football," Belichick said. "I've been through that during the season as well, a personal situation you just have to deal with, and as I said, our thoughts and prayers are with him."
Belichick did not give any indication whether he expected Cassel to play Sunday.
"From a football standpoint, we'll just handle [preparations] with the other guys, just like we normally would do in any other situation," Belichick said.
In a profile of Matt Cassel by the Globe's Bob Hohler in September, Greg Cassel was described as "longtime Hollywood script writer who never hit it big but kept trying, even after he launched a second career as a horse trainer."
Greg and Barbara Cassel divorced in 1996, and Matt and his three siblings were raised by his mother, though, according to Hohler's article, Greg Cassel remained influential in his kids' lives and was "instrumental in coaching and raising the children before the divorce."
A league source told the Globe that Greg Cassel had been ill for some time.
Comment
Permalink
Email
Gosh this team has had a lot this year! My thoughts and prayers go to Matt and his family. His father must have been young it seems. So sad.
Condolences to Matt Cassel. I'm sorry for your loss Matt.
I don't think theres any reason to be playing in a football game the week that your father passes away, especially if it's a sudden thing. He should take the week off, in my opinion.
This is a tough thing to happen in the best year of your career. I'm very sorry for your loss. Go out Sunday and win one for your dad.
Seems like just when you think things could not go any worse for the Patriots this year, this shows up in the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cassel family. There is no doubt in my mind that Cassel will play on Sunday, not only will he play, he will have the best game of his career and he will dedicate the game to his dad. Rest in peace Mr. Cassel, you have alot to be proud of in Matt.
i'm glad he got to see his son take off some before he passed. prayers
My heart goes out to the Cassel family. At least Matt can take comfort in the fact that his father lived long enough to see his son become a successful quarterback in the NFL. If he keeps on track, he should do well either in NE or (hopefully) in the NFC.
Tough year all the way around, thoughts and prayers go out the Cassel family, fortunate for Matt the Team is in CA for the week to make things a bit easier on the family.
Sometimes things like this put perspective on whats important
I'm terribly sorry for Matt. I hope BB leaves it up to Matt to decide whether or not he wants to play. Different people handle this type of loss in different ways.
What a sad situation for the Cassel family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Matt. As a part of Patriot nation we all pray that your dad is resting comfortably above and that he will forever be looking down on you as you go through life. May peace be with you and your family.
Matt , Please know that you are not alone. Losing a parent is hard, but you have the guts and your Dad wouldn;t want any other way,,,,, Go Win one for the Dad,!!!
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Heartfelt sympathy to the Cassel family. I am one of the lucky people who have had a chance to see Matt grow up in Northridge while he was playing all kinds of sports with my Grandsons, the Abikasis boys. Matt played baseball with the Earthquake Kids in l994 and they got to Williamsport, PA to play in the Little League World Seroes. I commuted daily to the game just to see Matt play baseball - he was a lst baseman. I was, and still hope I am, Matt's other Grandma from PA. Again, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. So proud of you Matt and watch every game!
Like Ottono said, that's sad for Matt for this to happen during the best year of his career. I guess to find a positive out of it, his father lived a full life and was able to watch his son play QB in the NFL
Matt...Know that Patriots fans from Nova Scotia offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Matt, we are very proud of you as is your father. You have faced adversity and shown your character. Keep up the good work.
Like Ottono said, that's sad for Matt for this to happen during the best year of his career. I guess to find a positive out of it, his father lived a full life and was able to watch his son play QB in the NFL
Wow, that's unfortunate news. Condolences to Matt and the entire Cassel family.
"I don't think theres any reason to be playing in a football game the week that your father passes away, especially if it's a sudden thing. He should take the week off, in my opinion."
With all due respect, that is a decision to be made by Belichick, McDaniels, and Cassel. If he feels he should be on the field on Sunday, then that's exactly where he should be. [Look at Mat Bryant, who played the week his son died; no one can fault him for doing it, nor could anyone possibly have faulted him for not playing.]
Really sad. Matt C. will rebound in a big way. Sorry to hear the news Matt.
I am glad he got to see his son play so wonderfully.
He must have been very proud. Very proud.
Gosh I am sorry Matt! We ran into your father at the DMV in California last month. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Stay strong and continue the hard work for your father!
First of all I'm sorry for your loss Mr. Cassel, death is always a tough thing to deal with especially when it's someone close to you like your father. But I'm gonna go the opposite from most and say you show up Sunday and have the best day of your career. Dedicate this to your father and play with the pride and zealous as Brett Favre did so many nights ago on Monday Night Football. I believe in you Matt and you can touch so many with just your presence on the field Sunday. It'll not only motivate you, but the entire team to have their best performance.
This team is now listed in Webster's Dictionary next to the word "adversity". But they can overcome it?
Matt Cassel has my deepest sympathies. He has been dealt his toughest blow and yet, here is my prediction:
He will play this weekend and take The Pats to the playoffs on heart....watch. It's gonna be another one for the storybooks....
God Bless Matt and his family. My condolensces go out to the Cassel's. I expect to see him out there Sunday though.
Matt sorry for your loss. Condolences to your family also
How very sad! My condolences to Matt Cassel and the rest of his family! I bet his dad was very proud to see his son start in a very high pressure situation and perform admirably.
Follow your heart, Mr. Cassel. Condolences to the family.
Condolences to Matt Cassel. Sorry for your loss
Condolences to the Cassel family.
If anything, I'm glad Mr. Cassel got to see his son play in the NFL, and not just play, but excel despite the limited playing time. As mentioned earlier, Mr. Cassel has a lot to be proud of.
No reason to play football? That's why he's a professional and gets paid the big bucks.
It said it was a long time illness, so it's not like it was sudden or anything.
It's time for him to man up.
My condolences to Matt and his family. Losing your dad is tough. For those that bash Belichick as being a heartless monster I thought it was telling that he said ""It's bigger than football". He is right.
For God Sakes Chad! How about mentioning how old was Greg Cassel, Matt's Dad?
Mr. Cassel, you helped raise one heck of a son! In my humble opinion, he is a great example of a person with " character";
Fame is a Vapor
Popularity an Accident
Riches take Wing
Only one thing endures...
and that is Character ! + Horace Greeley
My thoughts & prayer for Matt & his family. Sincere condolences.
Family first.
And there are times when football must take a second seat... even with the team's playoff chance in the balance.
Sorry to hear the news
Geez, what's next for this team? As for Matt and his dad, at least Greg got to see his son play some awesome pro football before passing.
What a terrible thing to happen to the Cassell family! Watching Matt this year, it wouldn't surprise me that he plays. Preparing and playing Sunday may temperarily help distract Matt from his loss. No mater what Matt decides to do this Sunday, he should know that we are proud of him and what he has accomplished this year! Keep your chin up Matt!
Although the game is important, the loss of your father is more important. The Pats should be able to get by using the sub.
Matt, do your mourning quick and get back to the team this week. Look at the standings boy - this is the most important game of the season. Otherwise we lose out on the postseason.
Although i hope he does play on Sunday, i feel that he should be with his family for the time being... But, who knows maybe he will have one of the best games of his career if he does play, like Favre did when his dad died.
My condolences to Matt and the rest of his family. I can't imagine the loss. This is certainly bigger than football.
I think he should spend the time with his family. This is just too much for any team to overcome. Too many injuries, and things going wrong. In the long term the Patriots as a team are probably better off losing and taking the better draft spot. Cassel will get a nice contract at the end of the year and hopefully the rest of his family will be taken care of. I'm sure this season must have meant a lot to Matt's father before he died. Thank God Matt got the opportunity so his father could see him make it in the NFL.
Maybe next year will be the PAts year.
poor matt. my prayers are with him & the rest of his familyyy . i hope he plays on sunday & plays the best game of his lifee
Understandable if he decides not to play Sunday.
But we did see what Brett Farve did when his dad died on that memorable night a few years ago. But people are all different. So sad though. Gosh this team has had a lot to deal with this year.
Alex, it's not your dad and not your family.
Keep your opinions to yourself. It's not up to you to determine how someone else, someone you don't even know, should behave after the loss of a parent. You offer your opinion, but neglected to offer condolences. Shows a total lack of class......but that's just my opinion.
Tough break, I should know my dad passed away on Christmas day, he needs to deal with it the way that is best for him. I would not be surprised if he is playing in Oakland as he may need the release. Remember when Brett Favres dad died he played the next night.
Wow.
There are several idiots on this board.
If your life has been reduced to needing the validation of a sports team, you are an incredible loser. We are talking about the death of a Father. The loss of a parent is one of the more stressful events in a normal persons' life. To be as crass as some of these posters is unbelievable. Yes, Mike R and John, I',m talking about you. Sorry about your penis.
You have to be kidding! What else can this team experience? Our thoughts go out to Matt and family. At lease he got to see his son enjoy success at the NFL level, albeit for a short time.
Very eolquent statements. there's little to add...
My heart goes out to Matt and his family. Family comes first, then everything else. No matter what you decide to do about Sunday, we stand by you.
My thoughts and prayers are you with you, Matt, and the rest of your family. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Stay strong and make your dad proud by shredding some more defenses!
Matt, my sympathy to you and your family. God bless.
Here we go again.... the last time a QB came to town right after his father died, Brett Favre torched my Raiders 41-7, 400 yards passing, and a 154.9 passer rating. RIP Cassel Sr.
You and your family our in our prayers. May your faith give you the strength to proceed.
Thoughts and Prayers go out to Matt and your family...
THIS puts football in perspective.........it's just a game.
Sorry for your loss Matt. I lost my dad in '91; I can sympathize. Take whatever time you need . Everything else will still be there when you get back.
I lost my father earlier this year. It is so hard no matter the circumstances. My thoughts and prayers go out to Matt and his family.
It is up to Matt how he wants to handle it in terms of playing football or not on Sunday. I support him either way and wish him and his family the best during this difficult time.
An eerily similar circumstance to the death of Brett Favre's father a few years ago...the Packers were scheduled to play the Raiders in Oakland on a Monday night just a couple of days after Favre's father died. Favre not only played in the game, but he had one of the best games of his career in leading the Packers to a victory.
Sorry, Matt blessings to you and your family in this trying time. Even though divorced, a bond between a father and a son is forever and sacred.
Please people, don't start your sentences with "Gee, Whizz, Gosh, Golly Goobly Goobly" IDIOTS.
I think Coach Belichick and the Patriots should be commended for allowing Matt Cassel to return home to be w/ his family despite the importance of this weekend's game with playoff implications on the line. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cassel family.
Matt, I am sure you made your father's last few months were equal to many quality years for most people. What proud parent would not dream of seeing his grown kid excel at anything, let alone the dream of being able to lead one of the most esteemed sports franchises in the nation at one of the key postions in all sports during one of the most trying seasons the team has had in years and still come away with good success?
Whether or not you play, we fans support you.and appreciate your success.
Sorry to hear of the sad news, I think death is a personal thing and should be handeled privately and not be the subject of a blogg. May Matt's dad rest in peace. Our opinions mean squat under the circumstances.
It was said here earlier and my first thought also. At least his father had a chance to see his son get off the bench and play some good football.
My condolances to the Cassel Family
Matt,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. It is never easy loosing a loved one.
Take all the time you need. Our prayers are with you that you and your family have
the support of loved ones.
God bless.
Matt, I'm sorry to hear of your deep loss. My heart goes out to your family.
I remember when Brett Favre's father passed -- it was followed by an epic performance by one of the NFL's all-time greats that aptly framed in football terms the love that a son had for his dad. I'm sure that your dad has been overjoyed and full of fatherly pride at getting to witness your exploits on the field this year. You sure have made New Englanders proud.
I pray that the peace of God comforts you, your brothers, mom and extended family during this unfortunate and painful time.
hey man if you take sunday off itll be ok! the team will rally together like you guys have this year! they will make sure they will win this one for you matt! god be with you man!
Matt,
Our deepest sympathies and sincere prayers to you. You will never get over your loss, like I have not for my father. Celebrate and share the wonderful memories you have of him, with him, with the world. That way, he will always live on with the people he touched and the fans who enjoy the great work you do on the field. God bless you.
Paulo
Sincere condolences to the Cassel family, and to Matt. You have performed beyond expectations. Patriot Nation grieves with you.
I think we should all be proud of the Pats this year. Despite all the adversity, we're tied for 1st place. Thank you to the whole team- no matter where they end up-and let's let Matt grieve in private without the whole world looking over his shoulder.
More tragic. Very difficult to live with. My wife's sister is bipoler and has been in and out of care for many years. Sad ending to what might have been a sad story.
my heart goes out to cassel and his family. let's hope he can pull a brett favre(never let me say that again) and smoke the raiders.
Thoughts, prayers and condolences to Matt and his family
Condolences to the Cassel family. Regardless of whether he plays or not on Sunday, Matt will have the support of the Patriots organization and its fans. I'm just happy that his dad was able to see his son start and play in the NFL before he passed away. RIP Greg Cassel.
why do you have to say 'dies' in the header. How about passes away or Cassel loses father after illness.
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with Matt and his family at this time. He needs to do what he feels is right for him and if that is be with his family and miss the game then I completely respect that. I hope he takes all the time he needs, don't worry about the team or football at all. (I doubt he'll see this but...) New England loves you Matt and we are all behind you
Matt, our thoughts are with you and your family. Rest in peace Greg :(
Condolences to the Cassel family. May God give you and your family strength during this difficult time.
Wow. I guess I won't be starting him on my fantasy football team this week. Even if he does play I don't think he will get enough reps in practice this ween to be effective. Now I need to decide between Farve & Culpepper. Any suggestions?
Matt, condolences to you and to your family. There is no one appropriate way to grieve; choose the course that feels true to you. Best wishes as you learn to move forward without your dad present in the ways in which you had been accustomed. In the coming weeks and months, honor his life by living your own fully and richly; cherish his memory by speaking his name often; and celebrate his influence by being mindful of the many ways his life touched yours.
Hey Marcus. Do yourself a favor and join the "Fellowship of the Miserable." Your comment is beyond belief. Condolences to the Cassel family. Pay no attention to this other idiot's comment folks. Tell me it was a joke, because I can't believe it !!!!!!
Favre played.....
Well, I don't see how he could possibly play. Dan Marino lost his dad last week and he couldn't even focus enough to be on the CBS pregame show but ne way he shouldn't play it doesn't matter if its for the playoffs there are more important things in life. I no Favre did it but I think that was different it wasn't the beginning of the week... My condolences to Matt and his family......and to the Patriots .....they've had one of the roughest years in their history
My deepest sympathies to the Cassel family.
Who cares what any of you think....That punk better focus on what is important here and get his head in the game for Jesus sake. Playoffs are in reach and he's gonna abandon his team??? I don't get it
I lost my mother two years ago and my heart aches for Matt Cassel and his family. There is more important things in life than football....family being the most important. Matt, your Dad got to see you play in the NFL....not many fathers get to see that. This Steeler fan wishes the Patriot family Godspeed and good luck the rest of the season (except if we meet again in the playoffs, of course!!).
Rest in peace, Mr. Cassel.
condolences and my deepest sympathies to Matt and his family. at this time of sorrow and adversity we must put our differences aside and help boost each other in the most positive way possible.
It is very sad when one loses a parent. In this instance, seeing as Matt's father had something to do with the coaching Matt received, at least he got to see his son become an important part of the Patriots and to finally play, and to do very well, in the National Football League. It is something that no one expected to happen, but life takes strange turns on occasion, and for Mr. Cassel to see, and be so proud of his son this season is a good thing.
Condolences to Matt and the entire Cassel family.
Ohhhh....boo hoo the patriots have had a tough year....whahhh they're just gonna have to go home to HUGE bank accounts and suck it up a little they might even have to go on a vacation to Hawaii or somethin after they get knocked out this year...My heart goes out to all those poor players and coaches. Do any of you actually know these people? Do you think if your father passed away they would ever care? The kid plays football for Pete sake...THAT'S ALL YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM!
comment #78 is right on. no wrong or right way.im 30 my dad was 49 and my best friend and my dad. he went slow and ugly(brain cancer). another pats fan reading your words comfort me now ,a year later. i thank you.
To Me Again:
Maybe people other than yourself feel an empathy toward strangers; and maybe that feeling is foreign to you.
Nonetheless, it is true that people can grieve from a distance; for some, from further degrees than for others.
Because someone is a stranger to you, you treat him/her as a number?
How lonely your life must be.
To Mike R,
You are a complete and utter moron. Maybe you've never lost a parent, or a loved one, or maybe you just didn't care, went about your life, and "manned up".
To Matt, I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sure your dad was very proud of you.
Um, it is ultimately up to Mr. Cassel whether or not he is up to playing in the game. The time now is to mourn his father. Period. It is not Matt Cassel's fault that the Patriots do not have any depth in their backup quarterback situation.
Ditto Grainger, & Jerice.
Marcus, Mike R, get a life and hope you lose someone you truly love and get a taste of your own medicine. No sympathy for you!
Patriots fans across the region are praying for you Matt!
Big bucks!
That's what NFL players are paid.
Time to man up and play football?
Mr. Reiss, you have no heart, are ignorant and show no sympathy toward Cassel's situation. I understand Mr. Cassel was ill for quite a while, but that won't take away the emotional toll Matt and his family are going through.
Have you ever been through a family death? Nothing supercedes the family and being there for one another when it comes to tragedy. That is your bond. That is your strength. If it wasn't for your gradnfather, you would've never been born. I had a lot of respect for you before, but I just lost a after reading your comment.
Matt sorry for your loss! God Bless!
Sorry for the loss,but I bet your dad would want you to place so he can watch you from above and you will let him see the game of his life and bring the PATS to the playoffs so he will have more games to watch.GOD BLESS YOU.
Angie C
Mike is a clueless fool! He says Matt should man up--its why he makes the big bucks-. You must live under a rock Mike. I hope Matt plays Sunday--but it is his choice. He DOESN'T make the big bucks, however--although the way he has come through for his team--he certainly should.
thanks guys for removing the trash like #65 read earlier,at least someone there has got some class,and respect. Thanks again
Ummm, david78, comment #93, I hate to break the news to you, but the guy that you were chastising for insensitivity isn't actually Mike Reiss. It's some other knucklehead using the handle 'Mike R' .
Condolences to Matt Cassel and his family, it's got to be tough. It's especially sad in that Matt is returning to the West Coast where his family is, but dealing with much bigger things than football. Reading the stories about how he grew up in CA brought it home even more, and somehow it wasn't what I expected. God bless Matt and his family.
Matt,
I truly am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sure that your Dad is very proud of you after what you and your team went/go through this year. I truly am a biggest fan of your team all my life!! You did make a lot of improvement and accomplishment and it's amazing!! Keep it up!! Go, play and fight til end of the game to WIN FOR YOUR DAD!!! God bless you and your family.
cassel family,we are truly sorry for your great loss of the sire of all these wonderful kids.I know for a Fact that Greg was the proudest father in the land,he was my best friend for 50 years.So Matt GO GET EM we all are behind you 100% + as greg would say;let er Buck Chuck!!! UUUUUbecha!!! get a Raider not RED but Black and Gold Sincerely FLYIN V
MATT YOU HAVE MADE US PROUD THIS YEAR MAKE YOUR DAD PROUD THIS SUNDAY AS I AM SURE YOU ALWAYS HAVE
May God be with you, Matt, today and always. I will say prayers for you and your family.
Way to go Matt...good game against Oakland. Keep that game ball...you earned it. My prayers are with you and your family.
My deepest condolences to the entire Cassel family. I was a great friend of Greg Cassel when he lived in Chicago and was with Greg the night he and Barb first met, and danced at their magical wedding. They were so deeply in love. It was a storybook wedding at St. Pats in NY and a way too fun reception at the Waldorf Astoria. I remember his toast to Barb brought us all to tears. We pretty much lost touch shortly after their four kids were born until Greg called out of the blue and came to Chicago to visit me for the millenium in 2000. Greg was different and I was never really certain what had happened to him, but he did share each and every newspaper article about his kids with me and was so very proud of all of them. I kept wondering if they could really be that talented, we now know they are. I am certain he must of have been the best dad in the world and made their life exciting and interesting when they were young. The Greg Cassel, I knew in Chicago was the best guy in the world with a love for life like I have never seen, one of my all time favorite people. Oddly, during the last month,I had been trying to reach Barb and/or Greg to congratulate them on all of their kid's success, but was unable to get even an e-mail address and pretty much gave up. I was shocked and saddened by the news of his death, as he was truly a special human being, who brought alot of fun and joy to my life. I have such great memories of this great looking guy in his super starched white shirts and creased levis and he had a great laugh. He was Texas all the way, down to the shine on his cowboy boots I called a mutual friend of ours who now lives in Indiana and we cried together and reminisced a bit of our days on Dearborn Street in Chicago. I am sure you kids know what a joy he was and will cherish the memories. My heart goes out to you at this time.
Hey V-
Saw your post, and good to know that you are out there somewhere, did we have fun or what back in those days on Dearborn in Chicago. I called Chuck and Deb, to let them know about Greg, and we fondly reminisced about the good old days. Cannot even believe it was almost 30 years ago.
I cannot believe our friend, Greg, is gone-so very sad. He was such a great guy! Drop me an e-mail, I would love to hear from you! Jan
Hey V-
Saw your post, and good to know that you are out there somewhere, did we have fun or what back in those days on Dearborn in Chicago. I called Chuck and Deb, to let them know about Greg, and we fondly reminisced about the good old days. Cannot even believe it was almost 30 years ago.
I cannot believe our friend, Greg, is gone-so very sad. He was such a great guy! Drop me an e-mail, I would love to hear from you! Jan
So very sad to hear of Greg's death. He was "Hoss" to me so proud of his father "Horse". We worked together at Butch McGuires in Chicago where his laugh thrilled many. He was very quick to compliment and did not criticize. Did I mention HONEST--- saw him give back money to hair dryer company when he told them he wore a piece and couldn't take their $$$$----- when he really needed it. Barb, my thoughts and prayers are with you he loved you so.Jack 8-8-80,Matt, I slept in your top bunk w you Justin and Amanda your Dad was my FRIEND, Carry on,you know HE'S watching and cheering for you all. By for now, Birdman
Dear Cassel Family, my sincerest & deepest condolences to you.
I was fortunate to have been a good friend of your Dad, Greg. We were a group of close friends in our 20's on Dearborn in Chicago who all felt that we were in the right place at the right time to have known each other & have such a great time.
There was no one like Greg - a handsome & charismatic "Hoss" from Lubbock who had an infectious laugh & sense of humor who looked you in the eye when he spoke.
When he met Barb it was majic - she was a beautiful person on the inside & out.
I can see why their union produced four such beautiful & talented children.
We were at their wedding in NY & came to see you in Granada Hills. I (like JAS above) tried to get in touch with Barb & Greg several months ago to make contact & congratulate them on all of you kids' success - but with no luck.
I'm so very sorry to hear this about your Dad. I'm sure that he's riding with the wind.
His love will always be with you as he watches over you & cheers you on in your lives - Jack, Matt, Justin & Amanda.
~ Deb
dnbirds@gmail.com
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Patriots Twitter
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com