Bart Starr leaves lasting impact behind with Packers

Bart Starr died on Sunday morning. He was 85 years old. Unlike most of us, his life won’t be forgotten by the masses anytime soon.

Starr quarterbacked the Green Bay Packers from 1956-71, taking over as the started when Vince Lombardi arrived in 1959. Between 1960-67, the Packers appeared in six championship games, including the first two Super Bowls. Starr won five of them, including the final nine playoff contests he appeared in.

Starr was a winner. He was tough, the son of a military dad. Unlike many, he didn’t wilt under the relentless pushing and prodding of Lombardi. Instead, the former University of Alabama star grew from it, becoming the one player that Lombardi wouldn’t scream at in public.

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During his playing days, Starr was a four-time Pro Bowler and a one-time First-Team All-Pro. In 1966, Starr was the NFL MVP, throwing for 2,257 yards and 14 touchdowns against three interceptions, all while leading the league with a 62.5 completion rate. Those numbers sound like a half-season today, but in the mid-60s, Starr really accomplished something.

And therein lies the essence of Starr. To look at his numbers — even compared to some of the men he played against such as Y.A. Tittle, Fran Tarkenton and Johnny Unitas — he pales. He doesn’t appear to be one of the best to ever do it. He doesn’t appear truly worthy of a Hall of Fame bust. Heck, some will say that he was a product of playing on a great team. Right place, right time.

To believe that is to not understand how vital Starr was to Green Bay. He was the offensive coordinator, the general calling out his own plays. He was the conduit for many players between the team and Lombardi, two factions often on opposite sides of each others. Most of all, he was a brilliant tactician. Never was that more evident than the 1967 NFL Championship Game — The Ice Bowl — between the Packers and Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field.

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In the coldest game in league history, Starr and the Packers trailed 17-14 with 4:50 remaining in regulation. In the second half, Green Bay had amassed -9 yards on 31 plays. Now, Green Bay needed 68 yards to win.

Starr called a series of runs and passes covering 67 yards. One yard left, third down. Instead of calling a third consecutive dive into the line, Starr noted that the turf was frozen on that end of the field. Why ask the backs to get their footing for multiple yards? He could lunge over himself.

The next play, Starr called his own number with the championship and Green Bay’s legacy on the line. Touchdown.

Bart Starr can’t be measured in stats, only moments and victories. In that estimation, he’s a giant among men. Rest in peace, Bart. You’ve earned it.