Bart Starr also suffered heart attack

ByRob Demovsky ESPN logo
Sunday, October 5, 2014

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Packers legend Bart Starr's medical condition is more serious than initial indications suggested.

A month after it was announced that Starr sustained a mild stroke, his wife, Cherry, released a statement this weekend that gave more detail about the Hall of Fame quarterback's health.

Through the Packers website, Cherry Starr said her 80-year-old husband suffered an ischemic stroke on Sept. 2 followed by a hemorrhagic stroke and a mild heart attack five days later. She said his progress was slowed by seizures, which are now under control through medication.

"Although there have been many bumps in the road over the past several weeks, we remain optimistic for Bart's quality of life going forward, as he is becoming medically stable and beginning to make progress through rehabilitation," Cherry Starr said in the statement. "Our family appreciates your prayers and patience while Bart takes the necessary time to recover. We love you all."

Starr, who led the Packers to their first two Super Bowl championships, resides in Birmingham, Alabama, but made frequent visits to Green Bay. However, he missed the team's annual alumni weekend this year, which was held in conjunction with the Week 2 game against the New York Jets.

Starr also coached the Packers for nine seasons, from 1975-83.