Joe Kapp Golden Bear and Vikings Legendary Quarterback

Joe Kapp, born March 19, 1938, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, forged a distinctive football career marked by his toughness, leadership, and unwavering determination. His journey from college standout to professional quarterback was characterized by a unique blend of grit and resilience.

Joe Kapp was the starting Cal Golden Bears quarterback of the 1956 to 1959 era.

-College Career:

Kapp's collegiate career at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1956 to 1959, was defined by his leadership and offensive prowess. As the Golden Bears' quarterback, he led the team in total offense for all three years of his playing career, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the offense. He was a first-team All-America selection, a testament to his exceptional talent and performance. In 1958, he finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, further solidifying his status as one of the nation's top players. He also led California to a coveted Rose Bowl appearance, a highlight of his collegiate career.

-Road to the Pro Game:
Kapp's path to professional football was unconventional. He began his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for the Calgary Stampeders and the BC Lions. He achieved significant success in the CFL, leading the BC Lions to a Grey Cup victory in 1964. His success in Canada paved the way for his return to the NFL. In 1967, he joined the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the team's starting quarterback.

-Football Legacy:

Kapp's football legacy is defined by his toughness, leadership, and his ability to inspire his teammates. He was known for his physical style of play and his unwavering determination. He led the Minnesota Vikings to Super Bowl IV in 1970, a testament to his leadership and the team's talent. His time in the CFL also cemented him as a legend there. He was known for his "take no prisoners" attitude on the field. His impact on the game extends beyond his playing career. He was seen as a players player, and fought for better conditions.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-First-Team All-America Selection (College).

-Fifth in Heisman Trophy Voting (1958).

-Led California to a Rose Bowl appearance.

-Grey Cup Champion (CFL).

-Led Minnesota Vikings to Super Bowl IV.

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Joe Kapp's career was marked by his unique journey, his remarkable toughness, and his unwavering leadership, leaving a lasting impact on both college and professional football.

A Curious Case of the 13th Import

The 1959 CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders were an interesting team as shown by Bob Carroll. They were the only major pro team ever to trot out onto the field with absolutely no -- read that "zero" -- chance of triumph was the 1959 Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

They played their last two games of that year AFTER the contests had already been recorded in the loss column. More surprisingly, they turned around and won one of those losses -- sort of.

Canadian Football Is Open For Business

Today’s Tidbit is published early as a public service to those who do not regularly watch the CFL but should. It is a wide-open game featuring five wide receivers, though that did not stop Montreal and Ottawa from playing to a 22-21 score last night in a game featuring ten made field goals. — www.footballarchaeology.com
Football Archaeology examines the rules and basics for understanding Canadian Football and the CFL.

The Rouge and the Two-Point Conversion

It may be the social media circles I ride in, but I’ve enjoyed the attention received by Saskatchewan earning a rouge in Thursday’s game and the potential rouge in Friday’s Winnipeg-Calgary game. Canadian football does not have touchbacks. Downing the ball or being tackled in the end zone following an opponent’s kick results in a rouge or single, which scores one point for the opponent; it is akin to a safety. (Punting or kicking the ball into the opponent’s end zone that then goes out — www.footballarchaeology.com
An interesting look back at the History of Canadian Football's rouge scoring and American Football's two-point conversion by Football Archaeology