2002: 41 Total Tackles - 26 Solo, 15 ASSTs, 2 Sacks, 2 Stuffs. 2 FFs, 0 INTs, 0 PDs.
Casey continued to be the perfect 3-4 NT, showing the necessary great strength to clog the middle against two blockers. The big guy also flashed some nice lateral movement, making some tackles in areas that you wouldn't expect him to be. In October against Cincinatti, Steeler fans were treated to Casey recovering a fumble (from a Joey Porter sack) and barreling 36 yards, and switching the ball to his outside hand as he approached the sideline. The play led to a Steeler touchdown. In the January playoff game at Tennessee, he had an outstanding game taking the middle away from the Titans' running game. He forced a fumble on Eddie George which led to a Steeler TD.

The Steelers drafted Casey Hampton in the first round (2001) with hopes that his size, strength, and workmanlike attitude would give them the 3-4 nose tackle they had been lacking since the departure of Joel Steed.

Hampton quickly emerged as a force in the middle of the Steelers' defensive line, starting 11 games and playing in all 16. He was a key contributor to both the defense's top-ranking season and fellow rookie Kendrell Bell's immediate success.

At Texas, Casey started 37 consecutive games for the University of Texas and became the first defensive lineman to lead the Longhorns in tackles for two consecutive seasons, registering 9.5 sacks, 54 stops for losses, 56 quarterback pressures, and nine fumbles.