Having grown up in a time that was well past the playing days of Bart Starr, his legend status was only further cemented by the stories and first-hand accounts of who he was, not only as a player but as a human being too. From being a constant role model for kids to working with organizations like Rawhide Boys Ranch to help better others, his generosity and kindness stood out to me much more than his play did, which is exactly how I feel he would have wanted it.

Sunday morning brought unfortunate news of the passing of Starr, a football pioneer that made the game into what it is today. Through his selflessness, dedication to being a great person on and off the field, as well as a living legend and hero for everyone, Starr was the epitome of what it meant to live life to the fullest.

One of the main pillars of the game of football, Starr’s performance on the field was bar none, setting records and playing every game and every snap to the fullest. Living on through game film and clips, others are able to see just exactly how dominant of a quarterback and person he truly was.

Currently, Starr holds the all-time record for NFL playoff passer rating at 104.8, a full two points above the next closest player, also-retired QB Kurt Warner. Starr is joined in the top five by another Packer, as Aaron Rodgers holds down the fifth overall spot at 99.4.

Stats do not hold enough weight when talking about Starr, as his impact on the game of football goes much farther than the stat sheets. The 1977 Pro Football Hall of Fame and Packers Hall of Fame inductee made strides for the game of pigskin that no one has even remotely touched since.

Writing about a player that only existed outside of my lifetime has a bit of an odd feel to it, mostly because of having had no interaction with him during his playing days. But his impact on the entire world of football is still felt many years after his retirement and will live on for a very long time.

Starr is survived by his wife Cherry and his son Bart Jr. and other members of the Starr family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by Bart’s passing. We wish nothing but the best for the family in this time of mourning but always will remember the good that Bart Starr brought to our television screens, in-person meetings and our lives in general.

The final appearance for Starr at Lambeau Field came back in October of 2017, where he helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 championship team, which Starr was a part of. A mainstay in Green Bay for so many years based on who he was, Starr’s impact on the game will be forever remembered.

For everything that you brought to the game of football, as well as to us fans, we thank you. Creating a good balance of being a good person and a good athlete is difficult, but Starr was great in both areas.

Being able to live a good life and be an even better person is tough, but for Bart, that was the easy part. Rest in Peace, Bart Starr.

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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23

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