Hall of Fame Quarterback Bart Starr Dies at 85, Says Family

Quarterback Bart Starr guided the Green Bay Packers to their 35 to 10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl game. AP Photo

Hall of Fame Green Bay Quarterback Bart Starr, who won Super Bowl 1, died at age 85, it was reported on May 26.

The Green Bay Packers website confirmed Starr’s death, adding that “he had been in failing health since suffering a serious stroke in 2014.”

“The Packers Family was saddened today to learn of the passing of Bart Starr,” said Packers President and 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 is remembered as being the only quarterback to lead his team to five NFL titles in a decade.

“Starr, 85, played for the Packers from 1956 to 1971, and was beloved by fans of not only his generation, but also succeeding ones. Along with being a Pro Football Hall of Famer and among a small pantheon of Packers’ all-time greats, he was the franchise’s nonpareil role model in the eyes of many,” the Packers said.

His family wrote that they are saddened “to note the passing” of Starr, adding that “he may always be best known for his success” on the football field, “his true legacy will always be the respectful manner in which he treated every person he met, his humble demeanor, and his generous spirit.”

“His love for all of humanity is well known, and his affection toward the residents of Alabama and Wisconsin filled him with gratitude,” his family said.

“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.”

He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1977.

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