Kapter attended Northwestern University and joined the Browns after a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

[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.

[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.