BIRMINGHAM, AL — Bart Starr, the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame quarterback whose gentlemanly demeanor belied one of the most fiery competitive spirits in football history, died Sunday. He was 85.
The first quarterback in history to win five NFL titles, Starr became a legend in the minds of many Packers fans. He battled declining health after suffering a stroke five years ago.
The Packers selected Starr, who played at the University of Alabama, with the 200th pick in the 1956 draft. Playing 16 seasons for the Packers from 1956 to 1971, Starr threw for nearly 25,000 yards and 152 touchdowns. He finished his storied career with a record of 94-57-6. In 1977, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Starr family said in a statement they were saddened to share the news of his death, noting he was a husband, father, grandfather and friend.
“He battled with courage and determination to transcend the serious stroke he suffered in September 2014, but his most recent illness was too much to overcome,” the family said.
They added: “While he may always be best known for his success as the Packers quarterback for 16 years, his true legacy will always be the respectful manner in which he treated every person he met, his humble demeanor, and his generous spirit.”
Starr had hoped to make a last trip to Green Bay to watch the Packers in the fall, but he shall “forever be there in spirit,” the family said.
Starr was known as the best Packer to ever wear the jersey until Brett Favre joined the team, and his No. 15 jersey was retired in 1973.
Team historian Cliff Christl wrote on the Packers’ website that Starr was the “hero” of perhaps the most memorable game in team history. He was also a consummate professional, an exemplary role model and its “nonpareil role model in the eyes of many.”
Click Here: camiseta rosario central
Among many iconic moments, Starr will forever be remembered for a single quarterback sneak into the end zone on New Years’ Eve in 1967, Christl wrote. Starr, lying face down beneath several other players in the southern end zone of Lambeau Field, won the so-called “Ice Bowl,” cementing his legacy among a pantheon of greats.
Boyd Dowler, Starr’s go-to receiver under coach Vince Lombardi, told Christl that Starr “never made a stupid throw.”
“He called the right thing at the right time and he executed it,” said Dowler. “He never made a bad read.”
Dowler added that Starr knew what it took to win and was a tremendous competitor.
The Packers selected Starr, who played at the University of Alabama, with the 200th pick in the 1956 draft. Lombardi arrived in 1959, and together with Starr the Packers won six division titles, five NFL championships, and the first two Super Bowl wins. Starr won the MVP award in both Super Bowls I and II, and arguably played his best football during the playoffs.
Lombardi liked Starr’s mechanics, The Associated Press reported, along with his strong arm and solid decision-making skills. Starr gave credit to Lombardi for showing him that hard work and using his head would allow him to overcome weakness and catapult him to being one of the league’s best to ever play.
“If you work harder than somebody else, chances are you’ll beat him though he has more talent than you,” Starr once said.
Starr played four seasons as quarterback for the Crimson Tide from 1952-1955. He completed 155 passes across all four years for about 1,900 yards and 10 touchdowns.