Bart Starr

The Quarterback Who Defined Championship Football

Few quarterbacks in NFL history embody the essence of leadership, poise, and championship excellence quite like Bart Starr. A two-time Super Bowl MVP, five-time NFL Champion, and the heart and soul of Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers dynasty, Starr was the architect of one of the most dominant eras in professional football.

Starr wasn’t just a great passer—he was a master strategist, an unflappable leader, and the ultimate clutch performer. His ability to execute Lombardi’s offense with precision, make the right decisions under pressure, and deliver in the biggest moments set him apart from his contemporaries.

Though he was never the flashiest quarterback, Starr was the ultimate winner, guiding the Packers to five NFL championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls. His performance in cold-weather games, most notably the legendary Ice Bowl, remains one of the greatest feats of mental and physical toughness in football history.

This collection celebrates Bart Starr, the iconic field general who transformed the Packers into an NFL dynasty and set the standard for what it means to be a championship quarterback.

Bart Starr’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Starr’s greatness wasn’t measured by gaudy statistics, but by his championships, efficiency, and ability to perform under pressure.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1956–1971)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1977)
Two-time Super Bowl Champion & MVP (Super Bowl I, II)
Five-time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
NFL MVP (1966)
Four-time Pro Bowler (1960–1962, 1966)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
Career Completion Percentage: 57.4% (a remarkable number for his era)
Career Passing Yards: 24,718
Career Touchdowns: 152
Career Passer Rating: 80.5
Highest Playoff Passer Rating in NFL History (104.8)
Legendary 9-1 Playoff Record
Led the Packers to an 8-2 postseason record, including 5 championships

What Starr lacked in flashy numbers, he more than made up for with efficiency, poise, and unparalleled success in the postseason.

The College Years – A Hidden Gem at Alabama

Before becoming a legendary quarterback, Starr was a lightly regarded college player at the University of Alabama.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1934, Starr grew up as a natural leader and competitor.
At Alabama, he played in a run-heavy offense, limiting his passing attempts but proving himself as a smart, disciplined quarterback.
He suffered a back injury in college, which limited his playing time and caused NFL scouts to overlook him.
Despite his limited experience, the Green Bay Packers selected Starr in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft, making him one of the biggest draft steals in football history.

Few people expected Starr to become one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, but his intelligence, toughness, and leadership skills would soon elevate him to legendary status.

The Early Packers Years – Struggles Before Glory

Starr’s first few seasons in Green Bay (1956–1958) were anything but glamorous.

The Packers were one of the worst teams in the league, struggling to find consistency.
Starr was initially a backup, learning the game behind established veterans.
From 1956 to 1958, Green Bay won just 8 games total, and many questioned whether Starr could become a franchise quarterback.

Then, in 1959, everything changed.

The Lombardi Era – The Birth of a Dynasty

The hiring of head coach Vince Lombardi in 1959 was the turning point for both Starr and the Packers.

Lombardi saw Starr’s intelligence, decision-making, and composure as the perfect fit for his system.
By 1960, Starr was the undisputed leader of the Packers, helping them reach their first NFL Championship Game, though they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
From 1961 to 1967, Starr led the Packers to five NFL titles, cementing Green Bay as the greatest team of the era.

Under Lombardi’s system, Starr mastered the play-action pass, ball control offense, and game management, becoming the ideal quarterback for championship football.

The Packers’ Five Championships – Building a Dynasty

Starr was at his best when the stakes were highest, leading Green Bay to five NFL championships in seven seasons.

1961 & 1962 – First Two NFL Championships

Starr’s first title came in 1961, when he outdueled Y.A. Tittle and the New York Giants in a 37-0 rout.
He followed it up in 1962, defeating the Giants again in a brutal 16-7 victory.

1965 – A Third Title in a New Era

After a three-year title drought, Starr led the Packers back to glory in 1965, defeating the Cleveland Browns 23-12 in the NFL Championship Game.
Starr’s ability to control the game, make smart decisions, and exploit defenses became his trademark.

1966 – Super Bowl I Champion & NFL MVP

In 1966, Starr had his best season, throwing for 2,257 yards, 14 TDs, and just 3 INTs, winning the NFL MVP award.
He led the Packers to victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the 1966 NFL Championship Game, then dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I.
Starr threw for 250 yards and 2 TDs in a 35-10 victory, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

1967 – The Ice Bowl & Super Bowl II

The 1967 season produced one of the most iconic games in NFL history—The Ice Bowl.
With temperatures at -15°F (-26°C) and a wind chill of -48°F (-44°C), Starr led the Packers in one of the most grueling, brutal championship games ever.
Down 17-14 against the Cowboys, Starr led an iconic final drive, scoring the game-winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak with 13 seconds left.
He then led Green Bay to a 33-14 win over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II, capturing his second Super Bowl MVP award.

With five championships, two Super Bowl MVPs, and an unmatched ability to perform under pressure, Starr had cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

The Later Years & Retirement

After Lombardi’s departure in 1968, the Packers gradually declined, and Starr retired after the 1971 season.

He finished his career with a remarkable 9-1 playoff record, proving that he was the ultimate clutch performer.
In 1977, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, forever enshrining his legacy as a champion.

Defining Moments of Starr’s Career

1956 – Drafted in the 17th Round: Overlooked by many, Starr proved his doubters wrong.
1959 – Lombardi Arrives: Starr’s career begins to skyrocket under Vince Lombardi.
1961 – Wins His First NFL Championship: The Packers dominate the Giants 37-0.
1966 – Wins Super Bowl I, Named MVP: Leads Green Bay to its first Super Bowl title.
1967 – Ice Bowl Heroics: Delivers one of the greatest moments in football history.
1967 – Wins Super Bowl II, Earns Second MVP Award: The Packers dynasty is complete.
1977 – Hall of Fame Induction: Becomes one of the most celebrated quarterbacks ever.

A Legacy of Leadership & Championship Football

Bart Starr wasn’t just a great quarterback—he was the definition of a winner.

He led the Packers to five championships, making him one of the most successful QBs ever.
He was the ultimate leader, inspiring teammates with his calmness under pressure.
His performance in clutch moments, especially the Ice Bowl, remains legendary.

A Champion, A Leader, and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in NFL History.