Jacques Cesaire


Jacques E. Cesaire is a former American football defensive end who spent all nine of his National Football League seasons with the San Diego Chargers. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Southern Connecticut State.

Early years

Jacques started his high school football career at St. Bernard's Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg, Ma in 1994. For his junior year he transferred to Gardner High School of Massachusetts. Cesaire graduated from Gardner High School in Gardner, Massachusetts, in 1998. While there, he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He is of Haitian descent.

College career

Cesaire played football at Southern Connecticut State University. In 2002, he was named the Northeast-10 Conference Defensive Lineman of the year. Cesaire also was a first team NCAA Division II All-America selection by the American Football Coaches Association and a first team all NE-10 pick.

Professional career

Cesaire was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He was one of many successful Chargers undrafted free agents that year. Along with Antonio Gates, Kris Dielman, Stephen Cooper, and Kassim Osgood.
His best years came between 2006 and 2008 where he had 8.5 total sacks while playing a key role in the Chargers defense. Cesaire's biggest contribution came in the leadership department.
Cesaire was released on August 31, 2012 after 9 seasons with the Chargers. In total he started 66 of 109 games, recording 217 tackles and 12.5 sacks while forcing three fumbles. Cesaire was mostly appreciated for being a great leader and having a great locker room mentality.
On January 21, 2013, Cesaire announced his retirement.

After retirement

Buffalo Bills

On February 7, 2020, Cesaire was hired as the assistant defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills this followed a five year stint coaching defensive line at the University of San Diego.