Tears of joy flooded Lamebeau Field in celebration as two legendary quarterbacks met on the 50-yard line. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre saw his jersey retired on Thanksgiving and was given a key to the city. Favre, who played in the National Football League for 20 years, spent 16 seasons in Green Bay (1992-07).
He an was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection. Favre was a five-time recipient of NFC Player of the Year and a three-time NFL MVP (1995-97). He captured his only Super Bowl title in 1997, defeating the New England Patriots 35-21 in Super Bowl XXXI.
The individual that met Favre at midfield was none other than former Packers legend Bart Starr. He not only shares a bond with Packer fans, but his roots stem from the University of Alabama. He played multiple positions at Alabama from 1952-56, but Starr will be forever known as a quarterback, a fighter and a humble person.
Bart Starr and Brett Favre, photo by: USA TODAY Sports
Starr, 81, stared death in the face in September 2014 when he encountered two strokes, a mild heart attack and multiple seizures. Cherry Star, Bart’s wife of 60 years, stood by his side and helped him battle. It may very well be his final trip back to Lambeau Field, but Starr was not letting an illness stop him from enjoying an iconic moment. As a player, Starr spent all 15 years of his NFL career in Green Bay (1956-71).
He was a five-time NFL champion (1961-62, 1965-67), two-time Super Bowl champion (I, II) and two-time Super Bowl MVP (I, II). Starr was the first quarterback to win two Super Bowls. He is a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team and Packers Hall of Fame inductee. Starr was inducted into Pro Football’s Hall of Fame in 1977.
Starr and Favre shared hugs as Favre’s jersey was unveiled. Starr welcomes Favre into the Packers’ Ring of Honor, an organization that houses many greats, including Starr, Don Hutson and Paul Hornung.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
