Do you like football and enjoy watching the Super Bowl? If you do, you might have heard of Bart Starr, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He was the leader of the Green Bay Packers, a team that won five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. He was also the MVP of both Super Bowls and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But do you know where he went to college and how his education helped him become a successful athlete and coach? In this article, we will explore the college journey of Bart Starr and learn some interesting facts about his life and achievements.
Bart Starrās Educational Journey
Bart Starr attended the University of Alabama, a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He graduated with a bachelorās degree in business administration in 1956. He was interested in topics such as accounting, management, and economics. He also took courses in history, English, and mathematics.
During his college years, Bart Starr learned from some of the best professors and mentors in the fields of business and football, such as Harold D. Lasswell, who taught him how to analyze data and make decisions; Paul W. Bryant, who coached him on how to play football and lead a team; and Harry Gilmer, who inspired him to become a quarterback. He also participated in various activities, such as playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, where he was the starting quarterback for three seasons; joining the Sigma Nu fraternity, a social organization that promotes brotherhood, leadership, and service; and interning at an insurance company, where he gained practical experience in business.
Data Table
Here is a summary of Bart Starrās college education and achievements:
| Name | College Attended | Degree(s) Earned | Field of Study/Major | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Bartlett āBartā Starr | University of Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration | Business Administration | 1956 |
Bart Starrās Early Life and Background
Bart Starr was born on January 9, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the son of Benjamin Bryan Starr and Lula Frances Tucker Starr. His family was middle-class and lived in a modest house. His father was a laborer who worked for the state highway department. His mother was a homemaker who took care of him and his younger brother Hilton.
Bart Starr had a happy childhood. He loved sports and played baseball, basketball, and football with his friends. He also enjoyed reading books and magazines about sports heroes. He attended Sidney Lanier High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He was the captain of the football team and the basketball team. He also played baseball and ran track. He was a good student who earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama.
Bart Starrās Post-College Journey
After graduating from the University of Alabama in 1956, Bart Starr pursued a career in professional football. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft. He received $6,500 for his first season. He played as a backup quarterback for the Packers for three seasons until he became the starter in 1959.
In 1959, Bart Starr met Vince Lombardi, who became the head coach of the Packers. Lombardi taught him how to improve his skills, confidence, and leadership. He also gave him more freedom to call plays on the field. Under Lombardiās guidance, Bart Starr led the Packers to five NFL championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. He also led them to win the first two Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968. He was named the MVP of both Super Bowls. He was also selected to four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. He became one of the most respected and successful quarterbacks in NFL history.
In 1971, Bart Starr retired from playing football. He had played for 16 seasons with the Packers. He had thrown for 24,718 yards and 152 touchdowns. He had also set several records, such as the highest career completion percentage (57.4%), the lowest career interception percentage (4.4%), and the most consecutive passes completed in a single game (20).
After retiring from playing football, Bart Starr became a coach and a businessman. He coached the Packers from 1975 to 1983. He led them to one playoff appearance in 1976. He also coached at his alma mater, the University of Alabama, from 1983 to 1985. He then became a co-owner and president of Healthcare Realty Services, a company that develops medical facilities. He also became a motivational speaker, an author, and a philanthropist. He wrote several books, such as “Quarterbacking,” “Starr: My Life in Football,” and “Bart Starr: Americaās Quarterback and the Rise of the National Football League.” He also supported various charities and causes related to education, health, and sports.
Bart Starr died on May 26, 2019, at age 85, from a stroke. He was buried at the Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama. He was mourned by millions of fans who loved and admired him.
Bart Starrās Impact and Significance
Bart Starr is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He changed the game of football with his accuracy, intelligence, and leadership. He won more championships than any other quarterback in NFL history. He was also one of the first players to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
Bart Starrās College Education and Achievements
Bart Starrās college education influenced his football achievements in many ways. He learned from some of the best professors and mentors in business and football at the University of Alabama. They taught him how to analyze data, make decisions, play football, and lead a team. He also gained valuable experience and exposure from playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, where he was the starting quarterback for three seasons. He made connections and friendships with teammates and coaches who supported him throughout his journey. He also developed skills and qualities that helped him succeed as a football player, such as accuracy, intelligence, confidence, passion, and perseverance.
Interesting Anecdotes or Trivia
Here are some interesting anecdotes or trivia about Bart Starrās college years:
- He was nicknamed āBartā by his father after his favorite football player, Barton Koch, who played for the University of Alabama.
- He was also nicknamed āThe Icemanā by his teammates and fans because of his calm and cool demeanor on the field.
- He met his wife Cherry at the University of Alabama. They married in 1954 and had two sons named Bart Jr. and Bret.
- He once broke his back in a hazing incident at his fraternity house. He recovered from his injury and continued to play football.
- He once threw six touchdown passes in a single game against Furman University in 1954. This was a school record that still stands today.
Relevance to Todayās Students
Bart Starrās college journey can inspire and motivate todayās students who are interested in pursuing a career in sports or any other field. His story shows that with talent, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible. He also demonstrates that education is not only about academics but also about personal growth, character development, and social responsibility. He also proves that success is not measured by fame or money but by happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned where Bart Starr went to college and how his education helped him become a successful football player and coach. We have seen that he attended the University of Alabama, where he earned his bachelorās degree in business administration in 1956. He was a successful and respected football player who played for the Green Bay Packers for 16 seasons. He also became one of the most popular and famous athletes in America.
We have also learned some interesting facts about his life and achievements, such as his family background, his nicknames, his records, and his books. We have also discussed how his college education influenced his football achievements and how it can inspire todayās students.