GREEN BAY, Wis. — Arguably the greatest Green Bay Packers player of all time has passed away.
Legendary quarterback Bart Starr has died at age 85, the team announced Sunday morning.
It is with deep sadness that we announce Green Bay Packers legend Bart Starr has passed away at age 85: https://t.co/Qgv5o6FP3D pic.twitter.com/mIqu5hGyMt
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 26, 2019
“We are saddened to note the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bart Starr. 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," his family says in a statement.
“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," the Starr family says.
A message from the family of Bart Starr pic.twitter.com/TmduH0EiZb
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 26, 2019
“The Packers Family was saddened today to learn of the passing of Bart Starr,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “A champion on and off the field, Bart epitomized class and was beloved by generations of Packers fans. A clutch player who led his team to five NFL titles, Bart could still fill Lambeau Field with electricity decades later during his many visits. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cherry and the entire Starr family.”
A statement from the Packers recounts Starr's NFL career: Starr was drafted in the 17th round in 1956, the 200th overall selection, and wound up winning five NFL championships as a starting quarterback. He was named NFL’s MVP by The Associated Press in 1966. Starr led the Packers to victory in Super Bowls I and II and was named the game’s MVP each time and was one of three quarterbacks picked on the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team.
Starr led the NFL in passing in 1962, ‘64 and ’66 and passed for 24,718 yards with a 57.4 completion percentage during his career, according to the Packers. Named to the Pro Bowl four times, he held the Packers’ career record for most games played (196) until surpassed by Brett Favre in 2004. He also served as head coach of the Packers from 1975-’83, compiling a 52-76-3 record.
An obituary on the Packers website says Starr will also be remembered as, "the hero of the Ice Bowl."
Starr was born Jan. 9, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama, and played college football at Alabama. The Packers say Starr died Sunday in Birmingham, Alabama. Starr had a serious stroke in 2014 and reportedly had been in failing health since then.
