By Darin Joe Kapp’s “Seven-Shot” Revenge
Hook: “Most quarterbacks are happy with two or three touchdowns in a game. But on September 28, 1969, Joe Kapp decided to rewrite the record books against the defending NFL champions. Let’s talk about the day the ‘Kangaroo Kicker’s’ college rival met the Vikings’ ’40 for 60′ intensity.”
Article from Feb 1, 1969 The Gazette (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
The Fact:
“In Week 2 of the 1969 season, Joe Kapp led the Minnesota Vikings to a 52–14 demolition of the Baltimore Colts. Kapp threw for 449 yards and 7 touchdowns, tying an NFL record that had stood since 1943. He was only the fifth player in league history to hit that mark, and it wouldn’t be done again for another 44 years until Peyton Manning did it in 2013.”
The Twist:
“What makes this even crazier? Kapp didn’t even use the laces! He was famous for throwing ‘wobbling ducks’ that somehow always found his receivers. In this game, he connected with six different teammates for those seven scores. It was the ultimate statement for his ’40 for 60′ mantra—the idea that the team’s success belonged to all 40 men for all 60 minutes.”
The “Toughness” Factor:
“Kapp played that game with the disposition of a linebacker. Earlier that year, he had famously trucked a Browns linebacker so hard he broke the defender’s jaw. When he faced the Colts, he wasn’t just passing; he was punishing them for a playoff loss the year before.”
Closing:
“Joe Kapp remains the only quarterback to lead teams to a Rose Bowl, a Grey Cup, and a Super Bowl. For more legendary tales from the gridiron, head over to PigskinDispatch.com.”
The “Record-Tying” Box Score (Sept 28, 1969)
| Target | Touchdowns | Longest Gain |
| Gene Washington | 2 | 83 Yards |
| Dave Osborn | 1 | 31 Yards |
| Bob Grim | 1 | 21 Yards |
| John Beasley | 1 | 26 Yards |
| Jim Lindsey | 1 | 15 Yards |
| Kent Kramer | 1 | 13 Yards |
