Bart Starr, American football player and coach

Bart Starr: A Legacy of Unprecedented Championship Excellence

Bryan Bartlett Starr (January 9, 1934 – May 26, 2019) was a legendary professional American football quarterback and coach, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Green Bay Packers and the National Football League (NFL). His career, spanning from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, redefined quarterbacking and set new benchmarks for postseason success.

The Underdog Draft Pick Who Became a Dynasty's Leader

Starr honed his skills playing college football at the University of Alabama, showcasing early glimpses of the poise and intelligence that would define his professional career. Despite his collegiate background, Starr's entry into the NFL was remarkably unassuming. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft, as the 200th overall pick. This late-round selection stands as a stark contrast to the unparalleled success he would later achieve, transforming from an overlooked prospect into the linchpin of one of sports' most dominant dynasties under the tutelage of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Starr remained with the Packers for his entire playing career, from 1956 until his retirement in 1971.

An Unmatched Era of Dominance: The Lombardi-Starr Packers

Bart Starr's name is inextricably linked with championship glory. He holds the distinct honor of being the only quarterback in NFL history to lead a team to three consecutive league championships. This remarkable feat was accomplished with the Green Bay Packers in 1965, 1966, and 1967. The 1966 and 1967 championships were particularly historic, culminating in victories in the first two Super Bowls ever played:

• Super Bowl I (January 15, 1967): Starr led the Packers to a dominant 35-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, solidifying the NFL's supremacy over the AFL in the inaugural AFL-NFL World Championship Game, later retroactively known as Super Bowl I.
• Super Bowl II (January 14, 1968): He once again guided the Packers to triumph, defeating the Oakland Raiders 33-14.

His calm demeanor, precise passing, and exceptional leadership in critical moments were hallmarks of these championship runs, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in both Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II. These unprecedented achievements cemented his status as a clutch performer and a true winner.

Accolades, Records, and Enduring Statistics

Beyond his team's collective success, Bart Starr's individual accolades underscore his brilliance:

• Super Bowl MVP: Winner of the Most Valuable Player award for Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.
• NFL MVP: Honored as the league's Most Valuable Player in 1966, a testament to his outstanding performance during the Packers' second consecutive championship season.
• Pro Bowl Selections: Earned four Pro Bowl selections during his illustrious career, recognizing his consistent high-level play.
• Postseason Passer Rating: Starr boasts the highest postseason passer rating (104.8) of any quarterback in NFL history among those with a significant number of attempts. This statistic highlights his exceptional efficiency and effectiveness under the immense pressure of playoff football.
• Postseason Record: His remarkable postseason record of 9–1 is a testament to his unparalleled ability to win in the playoffs, reflecting a level of consistent success that few, if any, have ever matched.
• Career Completion Percentage: Upon his retirement in 1972, Starr's career completion percentage of 57.4% was an NFL best, showcasing his accuracy and precision as a passer during an era when passing statistics were not as inflated as today.
• Franchise Games Played: For 32 years, through the 2003 NFL season, Starr held the Green Bay Packers' franchise record for games played with 196, a testament to his longevity and dedication to a single team.

Coaching Tenure and Hall of Fame Recognition

After his stellar playing career, Starr returned to the Green Bay Packers as head coach, serving from 1975 through 1983. While his coaching record of 52–76–3 (.408) was less successful than his playing tenure, he inherited a team in a challenging rebuilding phase following the glory years. Despite the coaching struggles, his immense contributions as a player were unequivocally recognized. Bart Starr was rightfully inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, the earliest year he was eligible, solidifying his place among the sport's all-time greats. He was also enshrined in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in the same year, a testament to his profound impact on the storied franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bart Starr

What teams did Bart Starr play for?

Bart Starr played his entire professional career for one team, the Green Bay Packers, from 1956 to 1971.

How many Super Bowls did Bart Starr win as a player?

Bart Starr led the Green Bay Packers to victory in the first two Super Bowls ever played: Super Bowl I (1967 season) and Super Bowl II (1968 season).

What is Bart Starr's postseason record as a quarterback?

Bart Starr holds an extraordinary postseason record of 9 wins and 1 loss (9-1), making him one of the most successful playoff quarterbacks in NFL history by winning percentage.

When was Bart Starr inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Bart Starr was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility.

Is Bart Starr considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history?

Yes, Bart Starr is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, particularly known for his clutch performances, leadership, and unparalleled championship success during the Green Bay Packers' dynasty of the 1960s.