Bart Starr
Bart Starr (1934–2019) was an iconic American NFL quarterback and coach, famous for leading the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships and winning the first two Super Bowls. Explore his life, career, leadership, and legacy.
Introduction
Bryan Bartlett “Bart” Starr is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in American football history. During the 1960s under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, Starr guided the Green Bay Packers to multiple NFL championships and two Super Bowls, earning MVP honors in both. His career was distinguished not just by statistics, but by clutch performances, leadership, and character both on and off the field.
Early Life and Background
Bart Starr was born January 9, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the son of Benjamin Starr, a highway department labor foreman, and Lula Starr (née Tucker).
Starr had a younger brother, Hilton “Bubba” Starr, who tragically died of tetanus after stepping on a dog bone as a child, a loss that deeply affected the family dynamic.
He attended Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery. In his sophomore year, he initially tried out for the football team, dropped out after two weeks, but his father challenged him: either commit to football or work in the family garden. Starr chose football and soon became the starting quarterback.
As a senior, he earned all-state honors and received multiple college scholarship offers. He ultimately chose University of Alabama, in part to stay near his high school sweetheart, Cherry Morton.
While at Alabama, Starr played multiple roles (quarterback, safety, punter). His punting average stood out—41.4 yards per kick ranked among the nation’s best in 1953.
He and Cherry Morton eloped in May 1954, but kept it secret for a time because many colleges had rules against married athletes.
NFL Career & Achievements
From Late Draft Pick to Starter
In the 1956 NFL Draft, Starr was selected in the 17th round, pick number 200, by the Green Bay Packers. He began his professional career as a backup to Tobin Rote and shared time with Babe Parilli.
In 1959, Vince Lombardi became head coach of the Packers. It was under Lombardi’s leadership that Starr’s role shifted: in 1959, Starr was named starter, and from then on, he held that role until his retirement.
Championships and Super Bowls
Under Starr’s command, the Packers won five NFL Championships: in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. They also won Super Bowl I (1966 season) and Super Bowl II (1967 season). Starr was named Super Bowl MVP in both games.
In the 1966 season, Starr had arguably his best year: he led in completion percentage, passer rating, and earned NFL MVP honors.
His signature moment is often considered the Ice Bowl quarterback sneak: in frigid conditions, Starr sneaked the ball across the goal line on a final play to clinch the NFL Championship for Green Bay.
Starr was known for his efficiency, game management, and clutch play rather than gaudy statistical peaks.
By his retirement after the 1971 season, Starr had accumulated 24,718 passing yards, 152 touchdowns, and 138 interceptions. His career completion percentage was 57.4% and his passer rating 80.5 — both impressive for his era.
In playoff games, Starr’s performance was stellar: completing ~61% of passes with only 3 interceptions and posting a postseason rating of about 104.8 — among the highest in NFL history.
Coaching & Later Roles
Shortly after retiring as a player, Starr became quarterbacks coach for the Packers (1972).
In 1975, he was named head coach of the Packers, a position he held until 1983. His head coaching record, however, was mixed: 52–76–2 in the regular season, with limited playoff success.
Despite his struggles as a coach, his legacy remains deeply tied to his playing days and leadership.
Character, Leadership & Personal Life
Bart Starr was renowned not just for his athletic skill, but for his integrity, humility, and leadership. Teammates and coaches admired him for preparation, poise, and willingness to make difficult plays.
Former coach Lombardi once called Starr “the smartest quarterback I ever saw.”
He and his wife Cherry Starr were married for more than 60 years. Together they founded or supported multiple charities, including Rawhide Boys Ranch, a facility for at-risk youth, and the Starr Children’s Fund for pediatric cancer research.
They had two sons; tragically, their younger son Bret died in 1988 at age 24.
In later years, Starr endured health challenges: strokes, a hip fracture, seizures, and declining mobility. In 2014 he suffered a serious stroke that significantly affected his health.
On May 26, 2019, Bart Starr passed away at age 85 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Famous Remarks & Philosophical Notes
While Starr is better remembered for his deeds than his words, some quotes and reflections illustrate his mindset:
“Winning is not everything, but trying to win is.”
“I’d rather have a good class in school than a winning record.”
These reflect his values of effort, integrity, and balance — though exact sourcing is less documented, the sentiments are often attributed to him in interviews and retrospectives.
Lessons from Bart Starr’s Journey
-
Leadership under pressure matters more than raw talent
Starr often succeeded not through spectacular plays, but through consistency, composure, and decision-making in critical moments. -
Humility and character amplify legacy
His reputation for fairness, preparation, and integrity extended his influence beyond football. -
Resilience and adaptation
Drafted late and initially a backup, Starr capitalized on opportunities, developed under Lombardi, and carved an enduring career. -
Life beyond sport
His commitment to community, charity, and positive impact showcases how athletes can channel influence off the field. -
Transition is hard
His coaching tenure teaches that success in one domain doesn’t guarantee success in another — but persistence, learning, and service still matter.
Conclusion
Bart Starr’s life is a testament to excellence defined not just by championship rings, but by trust, leadership, and quiet strength. In the annals of NFL history, he stands among the elite — not just as a quarterback, but as a model for athletes who seek to be both great and honorable.