Kapp was a three-year starter at quarterback who led the Bears to the Pacific Coast Conference title and a No. 16 ranking in the final AP Top 25 during his 1958 All-American senior campaign. In addition to being a skilled passer, Kapp led the conference in rushing, with 616 yards on the ground, the most ever in a single campaign by a Cal quarterback, while also scoring five rushing touchdowns. Kapp’s 931 career rushing yards were also the most by a Cal signal-caller for more than a half-century before Chase Garbers broke the mark in 2021.
As Cal’s head football coach from 1982-1986, Kapp earned Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors in 1982 when he turned around a Bears’ squad that had been 2-9 in 1981 and led Cal to a 7-4 record that culminated with a win over Stanford. He would defeat Stanford three times in his five seasons as the Bears’ head coach. Kapp also lettered for the Bears in basketball for two seasons in 1956-57 and 1957-58, with a knack for beating Stanford in both sports.
Off the field, Kapp was the first player to successfully sue the National Football League for free agency. That landmark but often overlooked lawsuit was instrumental in improving rights and pay for professional football players. After being locked out by the NFL in 1971 leading to the free agency lawsuit, he started an acting career that led to more than 50 roles in television and feature films, including The Longest Yard. Kapp was also known to work with Cesar Chavez in support of farmworker rights and was a lifelong fundraiser for organizations supporting the Latino community and UC Berkeley.
Overall, Joe Kapp’s legacy can be described as that of an amazing and passionate athlete who believed in leaving a positive impact on his community. He was an advocate for equal rights in sports, and challenged the NFL in his quest for free agency. His dedication to fundraising for the Latino community, farm worker rights, and supporting UC Berkeley made him a beloved figure on and off the field among those who knew him.
In terms of athletics, Kapp’s ability to excel in multiple sports demonstrated that he was a true athlete, capable of adapting to different types of gameplay. As a coach, he led the Bears to victories over previously unbeaten rivals and inspired many in the community with his motivational speeches. The fact that he won as both an athlete and coach showcased his ability to bring out the best in his team.
Ultimately, the mark Joe Kapp left on sports history is indelible, and his accomplishments will always be remembered. We offer our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and all who knew and loved him.
<< photo by Jeffrey F Lin >>
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