Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | May 26, 2019 | Official announcement / reputable news reports |
| Place of death | Scottsdale, Arizona | Statement from family or team |
| Age at death | 85 years old | Obituary and biographical records |
| Cause of death | Complications from neck surgery (laminectomy) | Family statements and news coverage |
| Hall of Fame status | Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted 1973) | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| NFL championships as player | 2 (1965, 1966) — also Super Bowl I & II MVP | NFL championship records |
What happened: confirming the death of Bart Starr
Packers legend Bart Starr died on May 26, 2019, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 85. His passing was confirmed by the Green Bay Packers and family statements. The cause was complications following neck surgery (a laminectomy). Starr was a two-time NFL champion (1965, 1966) and the Super Bowl I and II MVP quarterback who built his legacy with the Packers under coach Vince Lombardi. Hall of Fame since 1973, he remains one of the most respected figures in NFL history.
Biographical profile: the path to the quarterback position
Early life and college football
Born January 9, 1934, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Bart Starr grew up with a disciplined work ethic. He played college football at the University of Alabama under Bear Bryant, serving as backup during a national championship season in 1953. His poise and football IQ prepared him for a future as one of the most calculated signal-callers in the league.
Entry into the NFL and transition to starter
Selected in the 17th round (172nd overall) of the 1956 NFL Draft by the Packers, Starr initially backed up established quarterbacks. He took over as starter in 1959 after injuries sidelined his predecessors. With methodical preparation and exceptional short-pass accuracy, he began a rise that would define an era for the franchise.
Career achievements and playing legacy
Starr’s achievements with the Packers are among the most decorated in NFL history. He led the team to five NFL championship appearances, winning in 1965 and 1966. He earned Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II MVP honors, completing clutch passes in tightly contested games. A two-time NFL champion and six-time Pro Bowl selection, Starr’s career passer rating of 80.5 remained a benchmark for efficiency for decades.
Notable records and statistics
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| NFL championships (as player) | 2 (1965, 1966) | Championship games before the Super Bowl era unified titles |
| Super Bowl championships | 2 (I, II) | Back-to-back wins in the first two Super Bowls |
| Super Bowl MVPs | 2 (Super Bowl I, II) | Only player to win Super Bowl MVP twice before 1970 |
| Pro Bowl selections | 6 (1960–1964, 1966) | Recognized as one of the league’s top players each season |
| Career passer rating | 80.5 | Elitе efficiency across 14 seasons, still top-10 historically |
Championship pedigree and Super Bowl legacy
Bart Starr’s legacy is inseparable from the Packers’ dynasty of the 1960s. Under Vince Lombardi, he perfected a system built on timing, precision, and clutch execution. Super Bowl I showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage; Super Bowl II delivered a legendary performance in a blizzard conditions at Miami’s Orange Bowl. These wins established a standard of excellence that influenced how quarterbacks and coaching staffs approach preparation and in-game management.
His leadership extended beyond wins; Starr was known for his calm demeanor and meticulous study of opponents, which made the Packers consistently formidable. The championships of 1965 and 1966, plus the Super Bowl runs, remain a gold standard in franchise history and are frequently referenced when discussing all-time great quarterbacks and leaders.
Life off the field and enduring influence
After retiring as a player in 1971, Bart Starr remained with the Packers in an executive capacity, serving as quarterbacks coach and later general manager during the 1970s. He helped oversee the team’s continued competitiveness while maintaining the culture of discipline he learned under Lombardi. Post-football, he and his wife, Cherry, supported charitable causes, focusing on community and youth development. His influence is evident in the Packers’ ongoing emphasis on leadership, preparation, and fundamentals.
How his death was reported and remembered
When Bart Starr died on May 26, 2019, the Packers organization, former teammates, and fans offered widespread tributes. Statements highlighted his integrity, football brilliance, and the example he set for future generations. Coverage emphasized not only his statistics but also his character, including his loyalty to Green Bay and his role in shaping the team’s winning culture. The narrative surrounding his death reinforced his status as a model professional and a cornerstone of NFL history.
Bart Starr’s place in NFL history
Bart Starr will be remembered as one of the most reliable and accomplished quarterbacks of his era. His combination of skill, intelligence, and leadership produced sustained excellence in a way few players have matched. Decades after his playing days, he remains a standard for what it means to be a complete athlete and a respected leader. The confirmation of his death in 2019 closed a chapter, but his influence on football strategy, quarterback play, and organizational culture continues to resonate.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Bart Starr die? Bart Starr died on May 26, 2019.
- Where did Bart Starr die? He passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- How old was Bart Starr when he died? He was 85 years old at the time of his death.
- What was the cause of Bart Starr’s death? The cause was complications following neck surgery (a laminectomy).
- Which teams did Bart Starr play for? He played his entire NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.
- Is Bart Starr in the Hall of Fame? Yes, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
- What Super Bowl MVP awards did Bart Starr win? He won Super Bowl MVP for Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.