TEMPE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Football mourns the loss of former defensive lineman Joel Peters, who passed away at the age of 63.
Peters played defensive tackle at Arizona State from 1978-79 under legendary Head Coach Frank Kush. He was the starting left defensive tackle in each of his two seasons, playing alongside Sun Devil Football greats Al Harris, Bryan Caldwell, Mike Richardson and Bob Kohrs.
The Sioux City, Iowa native arrived in Tempe after transferring from Mesa Community College just as the ASU was making the transition from the WAC to what was then the Pac-10. Peters will forever occupy a spot in Sun Devil Football lore as a key part of a defense that led the program to one of it's most historic wins. Arizona State picked up their first Pac-10 conference win in upset fashion, riding a suffocating defensive effort to knock off No. 2 USC. The high-powered Trojan offense was held to just seven points by Peters and company, one of the best defensive performances in school history. USC would go on to split the National Championship, with their only loss coming in front of 70,138 fans at Sun Devil Stadium.
Arizona State finished the 1978 season 9-3, including an 18-17 victory in Tucson to claim the Territorial Cup. Peters and the Sun Devils would go on to defeat Rutgers at the 1978 Garden State Bowl in their own backyard, travelling all the way to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. to pick up the victory.
Peters was also a starter and key contributor on the 1979 team, playing under a coaching staff that included current Sun Devil Football Director of Player Personnel Al Luginbill. The 1979 defense caught fire in the middle of the season, stifling opposing offenses during the Sun Devils' five-game winning streak. The unit gave up a total of 38 points during that stretch (7.6 points/game), recording a pair of shutouts.
Thanks to his efforts in the trenches at Arizona State, Peters was invited and participated in several All-Star Showcases. Peters and fellow defender Bob Kohrs were selected to the 1979 Blue-Grey Classic, becoming only the second and third Sun Devils to accomplish the feat. Peters and Kohrs also competed in the 1979 Senior Bowl, where their teammate Mark Malone took home Offensive MVP honors. The pair also took part in the 1979 East-West Shrine game.
Following the completion of his collegiate playing career, Peters was selected in the 9th round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He went on to play professionally for the Jets and Baltimore Colts, before making a move to the newly formed USFL. Peters was a member of the Arizona Wranglers, who played their home games at Sun Devil Stadium. He finished his career with the Memphis Showboats in 1984, eventually stepping away from the game due to injuries.
He received a business degree from Arizona State and continued to support his Sun Devils after graduation. Peters stayed involved in the local community while working in sales at Camelback Porsche-Audi-BMW, eventually concluding his career with Biltmore Mortgage. He is survived by his daughter, Kelsey, and his brothers John, Jason, and Jim. A memorial service is pending.
Peters played defensive tackle at Arizona State from 1978-79 under legendary Head Coach Frank Kush. He was the starting left defensive tackle in each of his two seasons, playing alongside Sun Devil Football greats Al Harris, Bryan Caldwell, Mike Richardson and Bob Kohrs.
The Sioux City, Iowa native arrived in Tempe after transferring from Mesa Community College just as the ASU was making the transition from the WAC to what was then the Pac-10. Peters will forever occupy a spot in Sun Devil Football lore as a key part of a defense that led the program to one of it's most historic wins. Arizona State picked up their first Pac-10 conference win in upset fashion, riding a suffocating defensive effort to knock off No. 2 USC. The high-powered Trojan offense was held to just seven points by Peters and company, one of the best defensive performances in school history. USC would go on to split the National Championship, with their only loss coming in front of 70,138 fans at Sun Devil Stadium.
Arizona State finished the 1978 season 9-3, including an 18-17 victory in Tucson to claim the Territorial Cup. Peters and the Sun Devils would go on to defeat Rutgers at the 1978 Garden State Bowl in their own backyard, travelling all the way to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. to pick up the victory.
Peters was also a starter and key contributor on the 1979 team, playing under a coaching staff that included current Sun Devil Football Director of Player Personnel Al Luginbill. The 1979 defense caught fire in the middle of the season, stifling opposing offenses during the Sun Devils' five-game winning streak. The unit gave up a total of 38 points during that stretch (7.6 points/game), recording a pair of shutouts.
Thanks to his efforts in the trenches at Arizona State, Peters was invited and participated in several All-Star Showcases. Peters and fellow defender Bob Kohrs were selected to the 1979 Blue-Grey Classic, becoming only the second and third Sun Devils to accomplish the feat. Peters and Kohrs also competed in the 1979 Senior Bowl, where their teammate Mark Malone took home Offensive MVP honors. The pair also took part in the 1979 East-West Shrine game.
Following the completion of his collegiate playing career, Peters was selected in the 9th round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He went on to play professionally for the Jets and Baltimore Colts, before making a move to the newly formed USFL. Peters was a member of the Arizona Wranglers, who played their home games at Sun Devil Stadium. He finished his career with the Memphis Showboats in 1984, eventually stepping away from the game due to injuries.
He received a business degree from Arizona State and continued to support his Sun Devils after graduation. Peters stayed involved in the local community while working in sales at Camelback Porsche-Audi-BMW, eventually concluding his career with Biltmore Mortgage. He is survived by his daughter, Kelsey, and his brothers John, Jason, and Jim. A memorial service is pending.