I was saddened to hear of the passing of the Green Bay Packers HOF quarterback Bart Starr on May 26th. In 1966 and 1967 he led the Pack to victories in Super Bowls I and II and was named MVP in both after winning the NFL Championship the previous year in 1965 (yes, a three-peat). He was well respected by his team mates and coaching staff and lead by example, (calling all his own plays). A selfless man of faith, he always trusted in the goodness of humanity and shared his inspiration and gratitude to many charitable organizations.
Thank you, Mr. Starr, for being an inspiration and role model to this kid from LA. When we played neighborhood football in the streets, everyone wanted to be Roman Gabriel or Jack Snow or Deacon Jones or Merlin Olsen and rightfully so, they were heroes. But I wanted to be Bart Starr, and boy did I pay for that.
As a tribute to Bart Starr, in 2011 I became a stockholder of the Green Bay Packers. On my bucket list is to attend the yearly owners’ meetings held in Lambeau Field. Once there, I’d close my eyes and imagine the 1967 Championship Game, against the Dallas Cowboys, winner going to Super Bowl II. With the wind chill making it -50⁰ F, I’d hear the roar of the sellout crowd and see 3rd and goal on the frozen tundra’s 1 ½ foot line with 16 seconds remaining and the Pack trailing 17-14. There’s the snap, G Jerry Kramer and C Ken Bowman double team DT Jethro Pugh and No. 15 keeps it and lunges forward for the TD. The fans go wild, streaming onto the field.
Yeah, getting tackled in the LA street as a kid for being Bart Starr was worth it.