Packers Legend Bart Starr Passes Away at Age 85

Information courtesy of the Green Bay Packers

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback
Bart Starr, who played for the Packers from 1956-71 and served as head coach
from 1975-83, passed away Sunday morning in Birmingham, Ala. Starr was 85, and
had suffered a serious stroke in 2014.

 

“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.”

 

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.
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.

 

Starr was born Jan. 9, 1934, in
Montgomery, Ala., and played college football at Alabama.