Monday, May 27, 2019

Far More Than Football: Bart Starr

The last grafs of a brief obituary:

...Since 1989, the NFL has given the Bart Starr Award to the player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.” Starr’s legacy extends off the field as well: he and his wife Cherry were also deeply involved with the activities of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation from the time of its inception in 1971. 

In a 2009 interview, Starr looked back warmly on his time in Wisconsin. “But more important to me was to always cherish the great years we had here with the wonderful people of Green Bay, and all the wonderful people around here that enabled us to win five championships in seven years,” he said. In the end, Starr’s legacy both on and off the field is a powerful and lasting one....
His Rawhide Boys' Ranch is another lasting example of Starr's legacy in Wisconsin.

Around this time last year, I heard an interview of the 'other' founder of Rawhide--the man who had the idea, but none of the money.  There was lots of information in that hour or so, but Bart (and Cherry) gave the guy what he needed, and Rawhide has been a success ever since.

One thing stuck out from that interview, by the way:  his phone number was listed in Green Bay.  Anybody could call him.

Looking for a lesson in humble service?  Look to Bart Starr.

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