The Green Bay Packers are one of the more iconic franchises not just in the National Football League, but in The World of Sports. You know their colors; you know how passionate the fanbase is and you also know many of the legendary names that have been a part of this franchise. Vince Lombardi of course comes to mind right away. After all, the trophy that every franchise plays for is named after him. Curly Lambeau, look at where the Packers play, Lambeau Field. How could I forget Brett Favre? One of the five greatest quarterbacks ever to step on a field. Then, we have Mr. Bart Starr or Mr. Packer himself. Today, the legend passed away at the age of 85 after failing health due to the stroke he suffered.
He’s hands down one of the three greatest Green Bay Packers ever to play for the franchise. Prior to being drafted by Green Bay, Mr. Starr played his college football at the University of Alabama. In the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Packers with the 200th overall pick. He began his time in Green Bay as a backup to Tobin Rote in 1956 and then split time with Babe Parilli until 1959 which happened to be Vince Lombardi’s first year as head coach. When Lombardi decided to pull Lamar McHan in favor of Starr, the rest is history. In the 1960 season, Mr. Starr was the full-time starter and helped lead the Packers to the 1960 NFL Championship Game, but they fell short to the Philadelphia Eagles which would be the only loss of Vince Lombardi’s legendary coaching career. Mr. Starr also played in the iconic “Ice Bowl” in 1967. The Packers won Super Bowl II against the Oakland Raiders which would be the final game for Vince Lombardi as the Packers head coach. He played 15 years in the NFL and announced his retirement at the age of 38 in 1972. As soon as he retired, he served as the quarterbacks’ coach for the Packers. He became a broadcaster for two seasons before being hired by the Packers as their next head coach. His regular season record was a disappointing 52–76–2 with a playoff record of 1–1.
He accomplished quite a bit during his playing days. He was named the league’s MVP in 1966, a four-time pro bowler and was named Super Bowl MVP in 1966 and 67. He’s also a five-time NFL champion. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. He’s also one of six Packers to have his number retired. When I think an image that has been sketched into my memory, it’s the moment he shared with Brett Favre the night his number four was retired. My thoughts and prayers are with the Starr family, those who knew him and the Packers organization.
