Luis Castillo was a first-round pick of the Chargers in 2005.

July 22, 2008

SAN DIEGO -- 2005 Northwestern graduate Luis Castillo has signed a seven-year contract with the San Diego Chargers that will keep him with the club through the 2014 season. His original rookie contract was set to expire in 2009.

Castillo was the second of the Chargers' two first-round draft picks in 2005. In three NFL seasons, he's played in 36 games and started 33. Lauded for his strength, quickness and athleticism, the former Wildcat has posted 13 career sacks, including a career-high seven in 2006, a season in which he played in only 10 games.

Castillo is the first Dominican-born player to start in the NFL. Since joining the Chargers, he has been a pillar in the community both locally and abroad. He's hosted football camps in Tijuana and the Dominican Republic, and he regularly visits San Diego-area schools to encourage local youth.

To read the complete San Diego Chargers' release -- which provided the information in this release -- link to Chargers.com.