Legendary Packers QB Bart Starr dies in Birmingham
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, who played for the Packers from 1956 to 1971 and served as head coach from 1975 to 1983, passed away Sunday morning in Birmingham, Alabama.
LEGEND.
RIP, Bart Starr 🙏 https://t.co/itNkk8SZJU
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 26, 2019
Starr was 85 and suffered a serious stroke in 2014.
His family issued the following statement:
“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.
“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.
“Our family wishes to thank the thousands of friends and fans who have enriched his life – and therefore our lives – for so many decades and especially during the past five years. Each letter, text, phone call, and personal visit inspired him and filled him with joy.
“His love for all of humanity is well known, and his affection toward the residents of Alabama and of Wisconsin filled him with gratitude. He had hoped to make one last trip to Green Bay to watch the Packers this fall, but he shall forever be there in spirit.â€
Read: Bart Starr Leaves Lasting Impact Behind With Packers
Starr played in the NFL from 1956-1971, and he played only for the Packers during his legendary career.
The former 17th-round draft pick out of Alabama finished his career with 24,714 yards. As well as that, he had 152 passing touchdowns, earning four Pro Bowl appearances and the 1966 MVP trophy.
Photos: A look back at the life & career of Bart Starr
📸: https://t.co/fKMPiaRxnS pic.twitter.com/CN4XkmGp3x
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 26, 2019
Starr also led the Packers to five championships in the span of a decade. He won two Super Bowls while scoring one of the league’s most famous touchdowns in the Ice Bowl.
