Alex Cappa‘s become something of a fixture with the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s in the 3rd year of a 4-year $35 million contract this season. And the Bengals are getting their money’s worth out of him. He’s played pretty much every game for them where he’s been an option, besides a few for an ankle injury. Cappa’s not a terrifying guy when you meet him, he’s just big and heavy (6’6″ and 310lb) and knows how to play offensive guard. But when you see him in action, you’re liable to forget he’s a gentle giant. Former New York Giants safety Mike Mayock said of him “This guy has the nastiest tape I’ve ever seen.”

In conversation, though, he comes across real laid back, relaxed, and personable. He knows how to be around people and make them feel at ease. And you’ve got imagine that comes in large part from his parents, right?

Who are Loretta & James Cappa?

Alex Cappa came from a packed household with loving parents and 2 brothers. All 3 were born in Dublin, California, which is where they grew up and went to highschool. Unfortunately, it’s not publicly known when or how Alex’s parents—Loretta and James Cappa—met or got married. James Cappa’s a bit of a Star Wars nerd, by all accounts. He graduated from Diablo Valley College with a degree in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management, and then went on to manage the meat department at a Safeway branch. He’s still an ardent supporter of his son, and in his college football days did everything he could to help Alex chase his dreams.

We do know that Loretta Cappa used to work as an ASL interpreter, translating sign language for the hard of hearing. It’s a fascinating calling, and a wonderful service to provide. On Alex Cappa’s own Instagram page, his profile picture is still one of him with his mother after a Humboldt State University Football game. A cute detail you could easily miss is the gestures they’re making with their hands. They might look like they’re doing a Spider-Man pose, but it’s actually ASL for “I love you.” Sadly, as far as we can tell, Alex’s mother passed away in 2018, during his very first year in the league. We’re sure it couldn’t have been easy on the young man.

But he’s gone from strength to strength in the intervening years, and his last couple years with the Bengals have been among his best.

The Cappa family carries on

In the years after the loss of his mother, Alex Cappa had the love and support of his family and loved ones to carry him through. The next year, in 2019, Alex would propose to his long-term girlfriend, Emily, at Disneyland. The two had been together since highschool, getting closer after they performed together in a play. Granted, the role was of an abusive married couple, but Emily remarked, “Thankfully, that was all fiction.”

The wedding was on March 7, 2020, just before lockdown restrictions came into place. Lucky and unlucky, in a way. In May 2023, their first child, Cody James, was born, though five weeks premature. Their son has since recovered and is now a healthy infant. The Bengals are going to be facing the Carolina Panthers tomorrow, and we’re sure we’re going to see Alex Cappa on the frontlines. Indeed, we look forward to it.

If you want to check out the latest news about the movers and shakers in the NFL this season, be sure to check out our Think Tank Exclusive, starring Doug Sanders.