Legendary Packers Hall of Fame QB Bart Starr Dies at 85

Packers legendary Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr died Sunday at the age of 85, according to the team.

The Packers announced Starr, a catalyst of Vince Lombardi’s powerhouse teams of the 1960s, died in Birmingham, Ala., citing his family.

He had been in failing health since suffering a serious stroke in 2014.

“We are saddened to note the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and friend, Bart Starr,” family members said in a statement.

Starr “battled with courage and determination” after a serious stroke in September 2014, but “his most recent illness was too much to overcome,” family members said.

“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,” a statement read.

The Packers selected Starr out of the University of Alabama with the 200th pick in the 1956 draft. He led Green Bay to six division titles, five NFL championships and wins in the first two Super Bowls.

Until Brett Favre came along, Starr was known as the best Packer ever. The team retired his No. 15 jersey in 1973, making him just the third player to receive that honor. Four years later, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

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