"My dad never pushed me, but the big thing is that he helped me by going out in the backyard and playing with me."
Bart StarrToday was Bart Starr's 72nd birthday.
One of my personal traits that I've always found particularly bothersome is my poor memory for dates and names. I've always had trouble even birthdays and anniversaries -- even in my own family, but for some reason I have no trouble remembering Bart Starr's birthday. I suppose it's a testament to my admiration for him.
Here's a guy that was not born with extraordinary abilities. He was just an ordinary boy raised to do the right thing, and work hard for what he wanted. Through his own dedication and determination, he grew up to be an extraordinary man, becoming an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback along the way.
Bart Starr played pro football at a time when most players had to work second jobs in order to pay all the bills. Football wasn't his top priority in life, and he proved it in the way he's humbly lived his life away from the spotlight. Even today, as President of Healthcare Realty Services, he and his wife Cherry find the time to work in support of the Rawhide Boys Ranch, an organization helping troubled boys that they helped to found in 1965.
Bart Starr should be a role model to all role models. We should all aspire to be even half the man he is.
Happy Birthday Bart!
tags: bart starr, bartstarr, birthday, role model, football, nfl, packers