At 33 years old, the former West Texas A&M standout and now mainstay kicker for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League is off to one of the best starts of his career.
Though the Blue Bombers haven’t gotten off on the right foot at 1-4 to start the 2024 campaign, Castillo has done all he can, knocking down 13-of-15 field goals and 7-of-8 extra-points. The 13 made field goals ranks second in the CFL so far this year.
“At my age now, I’ve completely changed my mindset,” Castillo said. “I do my best to keep football at the facility and live my life separately. I have my family up here with me for most of the summer, I do other hobbies and that keeps me from overthinking and allows me to focus when I go back to the field. I’m very sharp mentally right now and that’s been a huge key for the start this year.”
Castillo even put his name in the Winnipeg history books during a 22-19 loss at Calgary on June 29 when he drilled a career-long 60-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, setting the Blue Bombers new franchise record.
“I’m just very focused and kicking the ball really well right now,” Castillo said. “I was really wanting us to win that game. We’re so close to showing how good we are, but personally It was unbelievable to make that kick and I was pumped up about it. When I made that kick the first thing that came to my mind was everyone who has been there for me. I’ve had a long journey, so after that game and made sure to call those who have stuck with me and thank them for always being there.”
After leaving his distinguished career at West Texas A&M in 2013 as school’s all-time leading kicker, Castillo has been considered a journeyman through professional football, but he’s never given up.
He’s had a taste of XFL, as well as the NFL, kicking the majority of the 2020 season for the New York Jets. Castillo has bounced around the CFL from Hamilton, British Columbia, Ottawa, Edmonton and is currently on his second stint with Winnipeg after being a part of the Blue Bombers 2021 Grey Cup championship.
“I finally feel like I’ve made a name for myself here in Winnipeg,” Castillo said. “It’s been nice to be in one place and I feel that from the fanbase. People are getting to know my wife, Adriana, and my son, Jared. I’m big into soccer and photography so they all know me on those different platforms. I love Winnipeg and It’s been great getting to call this place a home.”
Castillo and Winnipeg take on the Calgary Stampeders at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. For those wanting to watch Castillo in action, please click the link below. https://www.cfl.ca/plus/
