Joe Kapp dies at 85

One of the legendary quarterbacks in the NFL passed away on Monday. Joe Kapp, former Minnesota Vikings QB, died at the age of 85. The University of California, his alma mater, announced his passing. According to the school, Kapp had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

During his career, Kapp played 12 years of professional football as a quarterback. After college, he was drafted by Washington, with the no. 209 overall pick, in 1959. After not playing that year, he moved to Canada and started his CFL career. He played two seasons for the Calgary Stampeders (1959 and 1960) and another six for the BC Lions (1961-1966).

While playing in Canada he was selected twice to the CFL All-Star Team (1963 and 1964) and won the Grey Cup in 1964, while playing for the BC Lions. The team even retired his jersey number, the 22. Then he finally returned to the NFL in 1967, joining the Minnesota Vikings.

In the States, Kapp won the NFL title in 1969 with the Vikings, which placed the team in Super Bowl IV. Although they were the favourites on the occasion, they lost that Super Bowl to the AFL Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, by 23-7. He also made it to the Pro Bowl that year.

Mark Wilf statement

The Minnesota Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf released a statement today talking about Joe Kapp’s passing. Among grief and gratitude, he sounded sad about the loss of the football world and also thanked the former QB for his time with the Vikings.

“Men like Joe Kapp are the cornerstones the Minnesota Vikings franchise was built upon. Joe’s toughness and competitive spirit defined the Vikings teams of his era, and his tenacity and leadership were respected by teammates and opponents alike. We mourn Joe’s loss with his family, friends and Vikings fans around the world,” he said.