Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
12. Bart Starr
Drafted in the 17th round (200th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in 1956 out of the University of Alabama, Starr initially served as a backup before becoming the starter in 1959 under legendary coach Vince Lombardi. He quickly became the epitome of consistency and leadership on a dynasty team.
Over his 16 seasons with the Packers, Starr led the team to five NFL championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967), including victories in the first two Super Bowls. He earned MVP honors for Super Bowl I (35-10 win over Kansas City Chiefs, 250 yards, two touchdowns) and Super Bowl II (33-14 win over Oakland Raiders, 202 yards, one touchdown).
His standout 1966 season saw him win NFL MVP with a league-leading 62.2 percent completion rate and 105 passer rating, guiding Green Bay to a 12-2 record.
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Starr was selected to four Pro Bowls (1960-1962, 1966) and led the league in completion percentage four times (1962, 1966, 1968-1969).
Starr’s career totals include 24,718 passing yards, 152 touchdowns and 138 interceptions across 196 games, with a 57.4 percent completion rate. He ranks among the most efficient quarterbacks of his era, posting a remarkable 104.8 playoff passer rating, far above the league average of the 1960s.
Starr’s standout attributes were his unflappable poise under pressure and exceptional decision-making, making him a master of reading defenses. He also demonstrated strong leadership, earning the respect of teammates through his work ethic and humility.
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Starr was a classic field general: efficient, conservative, and focused on ball control rather than flashy plays. He excelled in play-action and short-to-intermediate passes.
While his raw numbers pale compared to modern passers due to the run-heavy era, Starr’s efficiency and championship pedigree cement his legacy as one of the greatest winners in NFL history.
But who ranks ahead of Starr at No. 11 all-time?
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