He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats where he was recognized as a consensus All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award.

He got his start playing in a local football league for the Carson-Gardena Colts, where he stood out as one of the team's top players.

He was a starting player for the University's football team since his freshman year in 2004, and is recognized as one of the best cornerbacks in Arizona's history.

Following the Wildcats' upset win against number 25-ranked Washington State University on November 4, 2006, he earned his second Pac-10 Defensive Player of the week award.

In the spring of 2007, Cason earned All-American honors in Track and Field for his contribution to the Wildcats Men's 4 × 100 metres relay team, which finished in the top eight at the NCAA Championship.

Cason was regarded as one of the best cornerbacks available in the 2008 NFL draft,[4][5] and was projected a mid-to-late first round pick by Sports Illustrated.

His first career NFL interception came on September 14, against the Denver Broncos, picking off Jay Cutler in the end zone and returning it for 10 yards.

He made his first career NFL start at cornerback on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

Following a game against the New York Jets, in which he allowed three touchdown passes to Plaxico Burress, he was briefly benched in favor of the Chargers rookie cornerback Marcus Gilchrist.

[12][13] During his debut performance for the Panthers in a 20-14 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cason recorded 9 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and an interception.

[15] In the Panthers week 5 victory over the Chicago Bears, Cason recorded 6 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and had pivotal forced fumble against Matt Forte in the fourth quarter that led to the game-winning touchdown.

In week 13, Cason was benched again after allowing a 17-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings of the Minnesota Vikings, which contributed to Carolina's 31-13 loss.

[17] He decided to wear #23, instead of his usual #20, as a mark of respect to the great Ed Reed, who famously wore #20 for Baltimore.

[18] [19] Key Following his professional playing career, Cason has pursued becoming an on-field official, initially working high school games.