Answer summary
Bart Starr passed away on May 26, 2019, at the age of 85. He was born January 9, 1934, and died at his home in Birmingham, Alabama. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease. As the iconic Packers quarterback, he led the team to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls, cementing a legacy that remains influential in NFL history and team culture.
Key biographical timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 1934 | Birth in Birmingham, Alabama | Establishes baseline age for all career and life milestones |
| 1956 | NFL draft and rookie season with Green Bay Packers | Launch of Hall of Fame playing career |
| 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967 | NFL championships (five total) | Peak competitive achievements on the field |
| Jan 12, 1966 & Jan 15, 1967 | Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II victories | First back-to-back championship wins as starting quarterback |
| 1971 | Retired as a player | Transition to coaching and executive roles |
| 1975, 1976 | NFL Coach of the Year (twice) and Super Bowl X championship as head coach | Successful post-playing career, including another championship |
| May 26, 2019 | Date of death at age 85 | End of life; cause: complications from Alzheimer’s disease |
| 2019 | Age at death: 85 | 85 years old at the time of passing |
Confirmation of death and age
Multiple authoritative sources confirm Bart Starr died on May 26, 2019, at age 85. Public death records, reputable news outlets from the time, and the Packers’ official statements align on this timeline. As a status clarifier, this article affirms he is deceased and provides the specific age at death: 85 years old. No reliable sources report alternative dates or ages for his passing.
Context on cause of death and public details
Bart Starr’s death was attributed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, consistent with reports released by family and medical professionals. The location was his home in Birmingham, Alabama. Because Alzheimer’s progresses over years, complications can include pneumonia or other systemic issues, which were noted in formal announcements. Advance directives and family privacy shaped how medical details were shared publicly.
Career context relevant to legacy
Starr is remembered foremost as the quarterback who epitomized composure and precision for the Green Bay Packers during the Vince Lombardi era. His on-field achievements include:
- Two Super Bowl MVP awards (Super Bowl I and II)
- Five NFL championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
- Honorary recognition via the Bart Starr Award, celebrating leadership and character
These accomplishments underpin why his age and date of death remain notable; they mark the end of a career that defined excellence in 1960s football.
Comparative perspective: age at death for notable NFL quarterbacks
| Quarterback | Date of death (if applicable) | Age at death | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bart Starr | May 26, 2019 | 85 | Verified death records and official statements |
| Johnny Unitas | September 11, 2002 | 69 | Official obituaries and news reports |
| Peyton Manning | Alive as of 2025 | — | Public biographies |
| Tom Brady | Alive as of 2025 | — | Public biographies |
Frequently asked questions about Bart Starr’s death
- How old was Bart Starr when he died? He was 85 years old at the time of his death.
- When did Bart Starr die? He died on May 26, 2019.
- What was the cause of Bart Starr’s death? Complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
- Where did Bart Starr die? At his home in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Is Bart Starr’s age at death consistent across sources? Yes, reputable sources consistently report he was 85 when he died.
Evergreen takeaways
Bart Starr’s death at age 85 on May 26, 2019, is a firmly documented status in sports history. Understanding his age at death provides clarity for retrospectives, biographies, and comparisons with other NFL legends. Reliable records, including official statements and news archives from 2019, corroborate this information. For ongoing reference, his legacy as a poised leader and championship quarterback remains a durable part of football’s historical narrative.