Bart Starr, Legendary Packers QB, Collapses During Speech In Wisconsin

Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Bart Starr collapsed Tuesday morning while giving a speech in Madison, Wisconsin.

According to ESPN, Starr — who led the Green Bay Packers to six divisional crowns, five National Football League Championships, and two Super Bowls in the 60s — was wrapping up a motivational speech at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) conference Tuesday when he suddenly fell on stage.

“He gave a terrific speech about how organizations build success through talented people who form a great team,” said Kevin Fischer, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the host of the conference. “At the very end, however, you could see [his] appearance was awkward.”

Fox Sports reports that, prior Starr’s fall, the 78-year-old paused silently for “about 15 or 20 seconds” and then collapsed without warning.

Minutes later, Mr. Starr sat up and was evaluated by emergency medical personnel.

“After a few minutes, he was feeling better and speaking well,” Fischer said.

After speaking coherently and giving indication that he was feeling OK, Bart left the convention center with his wife, Cherry, in a private limousine bound for the Dane County Regional Airport, where the two flew back home to Alabama.

Though the reason behind his collapse is still unknown, Starr appears to be okay.

“He’s doing well,” Fischer added. “Cherry informs us that he is doing just great. He’s feeling fine.”

Bart Starr, who lives in Birmingham, Alabama, played for the Green Bay Packers from 1956-71. In addition to leading the team to multiple title games, Starr was a four-time Pro Bowl selection in 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1966, a two-time Super Bowl MVP and was rated the No. 51 NFL Player of all-time by NFL.com.

He also served as Green Bay’s head coach from 1975-83.