Joe Kapp, a Canadian Football League legend and one of the Minnesota Vikings‘ all-time great players, passed away on Monday, his alma mater, the University of California, confirmed to the Associated Press. Kapp was 85 years old.
A member of both the College and Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Kapp was the first quarterback to lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl. He was tabbed as one of the franchise’s 50 greatest players during the 2020 season.
Before leading Minnesota to an NFL title in 1969, Kapp led the CFL’s BC Lions to a league title in 1964. The Lions have retired the No. 22 formally worn by Kapp.
“Joe Kapp will go down as one of the all-time great players for not only our franchise but the entire Canadian Football League,” said Lions co-general manager and director of football operations Neil McEvoy.
“Along with helping put the Lions on the map after some lean early years, Joe also served as a trailblazer for quarterbacks making a name for themselves on both sides of the border. Our thoughts are with Joe’s wife Jennifer and the entire family at this time.”
Kapp was traded from the CFL to the NFL’s Vikings in 1967. He joined forces in Minnesota with the late Bud Grant, who coached against Kapp during his time…
