Let me start by saying that this might be the hardest Xs and Os article that I’ve ever had to write.
On Sunday, May the 26th, the great Bart Starr passed away.
Bart Starr is and will forever be an icon around Green Bay. He was the first “superstar” player that the Packers had ever seen. I say “superstar”, but that was actually far from how he thought of himself. Starr was a humble man. He never wanted to bring any attention on to himself. It was all about the team and winning games.
Starr was a great leader, quarterback and role model. When I go back and watch those old games from the 1960s, I can’t help but think how far Starr was ahead of his time. He did the little things correctly, which makes sense after knowing more about his personality. The fundamentals were drilled into him by his head coach, the great Vince Lombardi. When I watch his dropbacks, decision making, throws, and even playcalling, I am amazed. Starr was the complete package. It is interesting to note that quarterbacks of his day did in fact call plays, which reveals to me his high football IQ.
There are too many big games to name that Starr played in. A couple of my favorites are:
- 1960 NFL Championship game vs. Philadelphia (the Packers lost, but the game itself was exciting)
- The Ice Bowl
- Super Bowl I
- Super Bowl II
- 1965 NFL Championship game vs. Cleveland
Starr played a pivotal role in each of those games. I, of course, never got to witness any of these games live, but as I sit there watching them over and over again, I get a sense as if I’m living in the 1960s, watching Starr command the offense down the field in a championship game. Every game that I watch of his feels like it is actually live. I anticipate every play call and twist and turn that happens throughout the game.
Shortly after hearing the news of Starr’s passing, I started going through some old games and collected a few clips to show what kind of player Starr was. I posted these on Twitter in hopes to show Packer fans how truly great he was. Check out these clips of the great Bart Starr as we remember a player who meant so much to the Green Bay Packers:
Bart Starr had one of the cleanest drop backs I’ve ever seen. Especially in the day and age where everyone ran the football. Crisp deliveries to his receivers time and time again. #Packers pic.twitter.com/nKlJcNZuL7
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
The thing I noticed about Starr when watching these older games was how smooth he looked off of PA. Great sense of the rush and keeping his eyes downfield. Starr was way ahead of his time. #Packers pic.twitter.com/5ohVHFlzsC
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
Believe it or not, they actually did call PI back in the day pic.twitter.com/hzA8qbRv35
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
3rd and 4, Packers down 10-0 in the 3rd. Starr has a beautiful dropback, creates plenty of distance from the LOS and launches a deep throw to Carrol Dale for 6. Beautifully done. #Packers pic.twitter.com/W2c5tHOK3C
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
The mechanics made Bart Starr standout from the rest, along with his football IQ. Packers down 10-7, Starr has Carrol Dale again on the go route and draws another PI. I love watching Starr’s sprintout game. Footwork is flawless #Packers pic.twitter.com/bptDNjLLGZ
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
Just watching this, its like you could almost here this pass cut through the air. A bullet throw to Carroll Dale for a first down. #Packers pic.twitter.com/pcNq2DcfVw
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
Even when a turnover occurred, Starr would try to prevent the defense from making a play. If you watch closely you can see Starr throwing his body in front of the runner. Ultimate team player! #Packers pic.twitter.com/dGJHPRDzym
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
Bart Starr could drop dimes to his receivers on the perimeter. His arm strength seems to almost be overlooked for the time period that he played in. #Packers pic.twitter.com/SqHWpiVRD5
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
Again facing pressure, Starr keeps the eyes downfield and finds his back. He had a great ability to keep plays alive like this and know where his receivers are. #Packers pic.twitter.com/suhEDJMmdi
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
What a bullet thrown on this play by Starr. Zips this throw in between the corner and LB. #Packers pic.twitter.com/E2oLpyvKfu
— Ben Clubb (@PTTF_Ben) May 26, 2019
While Bart may be gone, his legacy will live on forever in Green Bay. The things that made him great; his character, integrity, toughness, and class, are all things that can make not only great football players but also great members of society.
Follow me on Twitter: @PTTF_Ben