An NFL player received an award of recognition from LZHS between the sophomore and varsity football games on Friday, August 29.

The school recognized Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle and LZHS graduate, by presenting him with a plaque as well as his Boston College football jersey that will be displayed outside of the Fieldhouse. The Lake Zurich Flames also honored Castonzo for his time spent with them by presenting him with his framed Flames jersey.

In 2010, his senior year at Boston College, Castonzo was the highest ranked tackle in the country, according to Bill Castonzo Jr., Castonzo’s brother.Castonzo has been playing in the NFL since 2011.

“[Playing in the NFL] is just like football. They seem like stars, but the most surprising thing is that it’s just a whole lot of regular guys who just love playing football,” Castonzo said.

Castonzo signed autographs on jerseys, shoes, papers, and phone cases, and he posed in photos with friends and fans from Lake Zurich at the football game.

“It’s great to be back home and see people excited about what I do,” Castonzo said. “It’s great to have so much support from my hometown.”