A football legend was lost today with the passing of former Packers quarterback Bart Starr. The Hall of Famer didn’t play for the Vikings, but Minnesota’s own star in Fran Tarkenton recognizes him as one of the greats. The late quarterback may even have a lesson for Kirk Cousins.
Tarkenton spent several years playing against Starr and the Green Bay Packers during the 1960’s and 70’s. They may have been competitors on the gridiron, but there was a mutual respect between the two signal-callers. Fran was as devastated as anyone about the passing of Starr: “This is a very sad day… Bart Starr passed away. Bart Starr is the greatest human being ever to play in the National Football League.”
Years have passed and football has evolved since Starr last put on a helmet, but the legacies of the past live on. Fame, and especially fortune were certainly different in that era, even when accounting for inflation. When Starr won back to back Super Bowls in 1966 and 1967, he was earning $100,000 per year. Today that would equate to about $765,000, which is far short of the monstrous deals that quarterbacks currently receive. The highest paid player of 2019 should be Russell Wilson at $35,000,000. I’m all for players maximizing their earning potential, but I also respect Starr for playing for less in a time where there was greater risk of injury.
He didn’t set a gaudy standard for how much money franchise players should make, but Starr did set a more important standard off the gridiron. As a player, head coach, and member of the community, Bart is remembered as being humble and kind. Troy Aikman remarked on Twitter: “Bart Starr was a true gentleman and one of the kindest people I knew. I had elbow surgery following our ‘95 Superbowl in Birmingham and Bart made a visit to the hospital. To this day, not sure how he even knew I was there.” Even as a division rival, he was undoubtedly a classy competitor.
How does Kirk Cousins stack up to Starr? When it comes to being a team player and stand-up guy, I don’t think it should be viewed as a competition. Cousins does a great deal of work for those in need with The Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation, and there are many other selfless individuals around the NFL. What’s important is that Starr led by example and left a legacy for others to follow.
Bart’s personal stats speak for themselves (24,718 career passing yards), but one must not forget that he had the best coach he could’ve asked for in Vince Lombardi. If Kirk Cousins wants to prove his haters wrong by winning a championship, he should try to follow in Starr’s footsteps. Leading a team to the Super Bowl is a ton of pressure to put on yourself, and Cousins needs to stay humble. To find ultimate success with the Vikings, he’ll have to lean on experienced head coach Mike Zimmer and his new veteran assistant Gary Kubiak. The two are well respected in the league, and their guidance can help Cousins become a star.
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