Alexander Joe Kapter (March 26, 1922 – July 26, 2005) was a professional American football guard who played one season for the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). Kapter attended Northwestern University and joined the Browns after a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Cleveland won the AAFC championship in 1946, his only season as a professional football player.
![]() Kapter in 1946 | |||
No. 39 | |||
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Position: | Guard | ||
Personal information | |||
Born: | (1922-03-26)March 26, 1922 Waukegan, Illinois | ||
Died: | July 25, 2005(2005-07-25) (aged 83) Thousand Oaks, California | ||
Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||
Weight: | 205 lb (93 kg) | ||
Career information | |||
College: | Northwestern University | ||
NFL Draft: | 1944 / Round: 21 / Pick: 211 | ||
Career history | |||
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Career highlights and awards | |||
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Career NFL statistics | |||
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Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |||
Kapter attended Northwestern University, where he played on the Northwestern Wildcats football team. He started play as a sophomore year in 1941, but only became the team's regular left guard in 1942.[1] Kapter entered the U.S. Navy in 1943, but was allowed to stay at Northwestern along with the football team's quarterback, Otto Graham, to finish the season.[2] Kapter played in the College All-Star Game in 1943 and was named to the team again in 1944.[3] The Navy barred him from participating in the 1944 game, however, because of a rule that disallowed any activity that would require an absence of 48 hours or more.[4]
Kapter was drafted in 1944 by the Detroit Lions, but military service delayed his entry into the professional ranks. He signed in 1946 to play for the Cleveland Browns, a team under formation in the new All-America Football Conference.[5] Otto Graham, Kapter's teammate at Northwestern, also signed with the Browns.[6] During the 1946 season, Kapter alternated on occasion with Bill Willis at right guard when Willis came down with strep throat.[7] The Browns won the AAFC championship that year.[8]
Cleveland Browns 1946 AAFC champions (inaugural season roster) | |
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Cleveland Browns 1947 AAFC champions | |
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