California

1982 Golden Bears
(Authentic Reproduction)

 

 


The appointment of former Cal QB great Joe Kapp created more controversy on the Berkeley campus. He had led Cal to its last Rose Bowl appearance, played successfully for eight seasons in the CFL, and then was the fiery leader that brought the NFL Vikings to the Super Bowl. Kapp took the NFL to court over the legality of the standard player's contract and won but the victory had a steep price attached to it as he was essentially blackballed from the league. He had been financially successful from both real estate investments and acting and had a desire to come to the aid of his alma mater. The question asked, of course was "Can he coach and recruit?" The belief was that he could as the 2-8 of '81 improved to 7-4 in Kapp's first campaign and he was voted the PAC 10 Coach Of The Year. The Bears played tough in most games but the season was highlighted by the miracle-finish, six-lateral win over Stanford. The Big Game featured heart-stopping play and late lead changes that finally featured “The Play” that still is considered perhaps the most exciting in the history of college football. Resembling great rugby style play that Cal was internationally famous for, “The Play” culminated with DB Kevin Moen's beaning of the Stanford band’s tuba player as he scored on the wild, final kickoff return play of the game. OT Harvey Salem was effective and graduated to a ten-year pro career with the Oilers, Lions, and Broncos. QB Gilbert threw for 1796 yards with fifty-four completions going to TE David Lewis and RB John Tuggle finished a fine career. LB Ron Rivera established himself as one of the best on the coast and NG Gary Plummer who played for the USFL Oakland Invaders for three seasons, the San Diego Chargers for eight, and another four with the Forty-Niners, led the improved defense. To celebrate Cal’s 100th year of football, Kapp introduced a new helmet style. He returned to the navy blue shell with a bear claw design on each side of the helmet in Cal’s athletic gold color. Inside of the claw, in navy blue was “CAL” in script writing and the number “100”. He finished the helmet with a navy blue mask for a distinct look that marked his return to Cal.

If interested in any of these Cal helmets please click on the photos below.

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