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Bart Starr passes away at age 85

Former Packers quarterback, Hall of Famer, and World Champion Bart Starr has passed away at the age of 85.

From Packers.com:

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, who played for the Packers from 1956-71 and served as head coach from 1975-83, passed away Sunday morning in Birmingham, Ala. Starr was 85, and had suffered a serious stroke in 2014.

“The Packers Family was saddened today to learn of the passing of Bart Starr,” said Packers President/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 was drafted in the 17th round in 1956, the 200th overall selection, and wound up winning five NFL championships as a starting quarterback. He was named NFL’s MVP by The Associated Press in 1966. Starr led the Packers to victory in Super Bowls I and II and was named the game’s MVP each time and was one of three quarterbacks picked on the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team. Starr led the NFL in passing in 1962, ‘64 and ’66 and passed for 24,718 yards with a 57.4 completion percentage during his career. Named to the Pro Bowl four times, he held the Packers’ career record for most games played (196) until surpassed by Brett Favre in 2004. He also served as head coach of the Packers from 1975-’83, compiling a 52-76-3 record.

Starr was born Jan. 9, 1934, in Montgomery, Ala., and played college football at Alabama.

Bart Starr's family issued the following statement:

“We are saddened to note the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bart Starr. He battled with courage and determination to transcend the serious stroke he suffered in September 2014, but his most recent illness was too much to overcome.
“While he may always be best known for his success as the Packers quarterback for 16 years, his true legacy will always be the respectful manner in which he treated every person he met, his humble demeanor, and his generous spirit.
“Our family wishes to thank the thousands of friends and fans who have enriched his life – and therefore our lives – for so many decades and especially during the past five years. Each letter, text, phone call, and personal visit inspired him and filled him with joy.
“His love for all of humanity is well known, and his affection toward the residents of Alabama and of Wisconsin filled him with gratitude. 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.”

NFL Films named Starr the 51st-greatest player in NFL history back in 2010. He was also on the list of most clutch quarterbacks in league history.

Photos: Getty Images

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