Joe Kapp

Joe Kapp was a distinguished Football player, coach, and executive known for his exceptional career as a quarterback in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL), leading teams to significant championship appearances. After leading the California Golden Bears to a Pacific Coast Conference championship and a Rose Bowl appearance in 1958, Joe Kapp, earning All-American honors and the W. J. Voit Memorial Trophy as the outstanding football player on the Pacific Coast that same year, graduated in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

He famously led the Vikings to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 1969, following an impressive 12-2 regular season. That same year, he notably tied an all-time NFL record by throwing seven touchdown passes in a single game against the Baltimore Colts, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Following his impactful tenure with the Vikings, Kapp played one season with the Boston Patriots in 1970 before concluding his distinguished playing career. Post-playing, he explored an acting career in the 1970s and early 1980s, appearing in various television shows and films, including the notable production ‘The Longest Yard.’ Kapp returned to football in a coaching and executive capacity, serving as the head coach for his alma mater, the California Golden Bears, from 1982 to 1986.

His career spanned multiple decades and roles, consistently marked by toughness, leadership, and significant contributions to the sport. Joe Kapp passed away on May 8, 2023, leaving behind an indelible legacy as a truly unique and impactful figure in football history.