Bart Starr left such a big impact on the Packers that the NFL franchise from Green Bay has rightfully chosen to honor the quarterback’s legacy all season long.
If you missed the unfortunate news, the Hall of Fame quarterback passed away on May 26 at the age of 85. Before going on to become the quarterback for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay teams, where he developed into a player capable of winning MVP honors of Super Bowl I and II, Starr started under center for Alabama.
Following Starr’s passing, Nick Saban released the following statement:
“Bart Starr was a true Alabama legend. He was a fierce competitor on the field, an outstanding coach and an even better person. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cherry and the entire Starr family.”
On Friday, the Packers announced the team will honor the legendary quarterback by wearing a decal featuring Starr’s No. 15 all season long. This season will mark the first and only time any of the Packers players will have the chance to wear No. 15, as the organization has retired the number in Starr’s honor.
In addition to that honor, the Packers have announced a series of events in Starr’s honor which include his family presenting at the latest Green & Gold Gala, followed by a public celebration of Starr at Rawhide in New London, Wisconsin, followed by a halftime program and ceremony to honor Starr during Green Bay’s home game against Minnesota.
If all that wasn’t enough, the Packers have pledged to give a $250,000 impact grant to the Bart and Cherry Starr Foundation with will go toward the Starr Children’s Pediatric Cancer Fund, Cornerstone Schools of Alabama and the Birmingham Humane Society.
“We are thankful for the countless messages of support from friends, fans, and members of the communities Dad so loved in Wisconsin,” said Bart Starr, Jr. via a release issued by the Packers. “We look forward to returning in September to celebrate the special relationship between my Dad and the individuals who inspired him throughout his life.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
