Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr has passed away at age 85. Starr played for the Packers from 1956-71, leading them to five NFL championships. He later became a head coach for the team from 1975-83.
"His true legacy will always be the respectful manner in which he treated every person he met, his humble demeanor, and his generous spirit," the Starr family statement reads.
Starr had been dealing with health issues for some time, having suffered two strokes and a heart attack back in 2014. He last visited Lambeau Field in 2017 to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their 1967 championship win.
"He battled with courage and determination to transcend the serious stroke he suffered, but his most recent illness was too much to overcome," the family statement said.
Fellow Packers legend Brett Favre also shared his condolences in a tweet, calling him the "most kind, thoughtful and classiest person you could ever know." Favre notably delayed his first post-retirement trip to Lambeau Field to 2015 so that Starr had a chance to rejoin him for the ceremony when he made his recovery.
Bart Starr was the most kind, thoughtful and classiest person you could ever know. I consider myself extremely lucky to have called him friend and to have been mentioned in the same breath. Deanna and I are praying for Cherry and the Starr family. #RIPBartStarr
