He was the most decorated championship quarterback in the first 99 years of the National Football League.
He may have been an even better man.
Bart Starr, the longtime quarterback of the Lombardi-era Packers and coach of the team for nine years in the 1970’s and 1980’s, has passed away according to the Packers.
He battled numerous medical issues in recent years, including two strokes.
They shared a statement on social media.
A message from the family of Bart Starr pic.twitter.com/TmduH0EiZb
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 26, 2019
Starr led the Packers to five NFL championships from 1961-67 and was the 1966 NFL MVP. He also was Super Bowl I and II MVP.
But what fans even more embrace Starr for was his impact on people. The way he greeted individuals in front of him and those in need with the greatest of interpersonal presence and compassion.
He started Rawhide Boys Ranch to be present to young people in emotional and mental hardship. He started the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic right after Lombardi’s death from cancer.
But it was how he treated each person that was his greatest legacy.
As Lynn Dickey, his protege as quarterback with the Packers in the 1980’s once said, “This is the finest person I’ve ever met.”
Complete coverage:
– Packers legend Bart Starr dead at 85 years old
– Gene Mueller’s blog: Bart Starr – A legend passes, another link to glory gone
– Bart Starr’s legacy, part 1: A chase for perfection
– Bart Starr’s legacy, part 2: Winning, not stats, defined Starr
– Bart Starr’s legacy, part 3: Competitive fire and comebacks
– Bart Starr’s legacy, part 4: 1967- Ice in his veins, fire in his heart
– Bart Starr’s legacy, part 5: Post-Lombardi – his coaching failure and a moment of forgiveness
– Bart Starr’s legacy, part 6: Kindness, presence, attitude, an impact of love