Boyertown, Kutztown University graduate Jerome Kapp 'grateful' for opportunity with New York Jets

Hours after achieving his long-standing goal, Jerome Kapp sat alone in his hotel room, tears streaming down his face.

The former standout wide receiver at Boyertown and Kutztown University had reached the NFL, signing a three-year contract with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.

"I just broke down," Kapp said. "I just sat in the room and just thought about how far I’ve come, and how far I want to go. I wept joyful tears."

The emotional moment was a small part of what has been a whirlwind month for Kapp, who now finds himself on the practice field at New York's organized team activities, competing for a spot on the Jets’ 53-man regular season roster.

"It was pretty crazy," Kapp said. "I’m just excited."

After he was not selected in April's NFL Draft, Kapp received an invitation to New York's rookie, non-contact mini-camp, which was held from May 5-7. He was one of 15 wide receivers and 45 players at the camp looking to earn a contract.

"I was playing ball with nothing to lose," said Kapp, who also received an invitation to Jacksonville's rookie mini-camp the following week. "I just wanted to do my absolute best."

The 6-3, 210-pounder did not receive an offer from the Jets or Jaguars, and returned to his home outside Boyertown. He trained at the local YMCA, waiting for his next chance.

"You have to roll with the punches and trust God's plan," Kapp said. "I was just playing for an opportunity, a phone call."

That phone call came from his agent on May 23. Kapp reported to the Jets’ facilities in Florham Park, N.J., just a few hours later for a physical. He officially signed his contract the next day, a three-year deal with no guaranteed money.

"I was shaken when I got the phone call from my agent," Kapp said. "I was just super excited."

While Kapp wanted to get to New Jersey as soon as possible, he waited for his parents to come home from work so he could share the good news.

"This is for them, as much as it is for me," Kapp said. "The pride that they have felt over these past couple days matches the pride that I feel. Being able to share this with them is probably the best part."

Playing football since he was 7 years old, Kapp grew up dreaming of one day playing in the NFL. While he has been honing his craft for 16 years, Kapp, 23, was quick to acknowledge his parents for all their guidance and support.

"I give all the credit to my parents," Kapp said. "They did something right in raising me; they did everything right in raising me. I honestly wouldn't be in the situation that I am today without them (and) my entire family."

Kapp joined the Jets in the midst of organized team activities, also known as OTAs, which will conclude on June 9. New York will hold a veteran mini-camp from June 13-15, and begin training camp in late July.

"I’m grateful for every second that I step on that field," Kapp said. "Every second that I (am at) the facility, I’m not taking anything for granted."

Kapp is one of 13 wide receivers, four of whom are rookies, on the Jets’ 90-man roster. New York's most-experienced veteran receivers include Randall Cobb, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman Jr. and Allen Lazard.

"I just have to keep working and try to stay around as long as I can," Kapp said. "At the end of the day it's just football, and everybody out on that field is just a normal guy. It's a competition."

While he has learned a lot from the other wide receivers, Kapp said he also has gained some knowledge from starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time league MVP who was acquired by the Jets in the offseason.

"Just being able to glean what I can off of his mind — he's an unbelievable mind — I’m truly blessed to be in this situation," Kapp said. "I’ve learned a lot."

Along with all NFL teams, New York will trim its roster to 53 players prior to Week 1 of the regular season. Each NFL team is also allowed to keep a maximum of 16 players on its practice squad during the season.

The Jets entered the 2022 season with six wide receivers on their roster and three on their practice squad.

"I’m just looking forward to working and learning the plays and trying to make a spot on the 53-man roster come training camp," Kapp said. "I’m just doing everything I can to stick around for as long as I possibly can."

Kapp has been working with all of New York's special teams units throughout OTAs. He played special teams at Kutztown University in 2019 and during the early part of the 2021 season.

"Special teams are going to be my way in the door," Kapp said. "A lot of guys play a long time in this league just playing special teams."

Kapp is one of two former Golden Bears, along with Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds, currently in the NFL. Kapp will try to become the eighth former Kutztown player to appear in an NFL game.

"Awesome guy," Kutztown coach Jim Clements said about Kapp. "Good deal for him and Kutztown and Boyertown. It couldn't have happened to a better person."

Kapp finished his career with the Golden Bears with 122 catches for 2,190 yards and 22 touchdowns in 36 games. He played just three seasons at Kutztown, as the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kapp began his college career at Seton Hill, but took a medical redshirt season in 2019 and did not appear in a game. He transferred to Kutztown the following year, and initially joined the football team as a walk-on.

Kapp ranks third in program history in receiving yards and fifth in receiving touchdowns. He ranks ahead of Andre Reed, a former Golden Bears standout and Pro Football Hall of Famer, in both categories.

"It's cool when guys from Kutztown University get that opportunity to keep chasing their dream," Clements said in a previous interview with the Reading Eagle on April 30. "Jerry is definitely an example of hard work and dedication."

At Boyertown, Kapp finished with 68 catches for 1,284 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns in three seasons. On defense, he had 128 tackles, 13 interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

"Nobody else deserves it, and nobody else is going to take this opportunity and run like Jerry will," former Boyertown coach T.J. Miller said. "He's still a role model for every little kid in the Boyertown community, the Berks County community."

Kapp will try to become the third Boyertown graduate to appear in an NFL game. Fullback James Develin played seven seasons with New England from 2012-19, winning three Super Bowls, and tight end Jay Repko appeared in three games with Philadelphia in 1987.

"He's a next-level person," Miller said. "I’m just really happy and proud of him."

While he looks to earn a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster or practice squad, Kapp is confident in his ability, regardless of where he gained his experience before the NFL.

"It doesn't matter what school you come from, whether it's Power Five or Division II," Kapp said. "Everyone laces up the same cleats."

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