GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Walnut Street Bridge crossing the Fox River in downtown Green Bay will know officially be known as the Bart Starr Memorial Bridge. Governor Tony Evers signed off on a bipartisan bill designating the bridge at Lambeau Field on Tuesday.
“By all accounts, Bart Starr was not only a good and decent man, but he had a deep love for this community and helped form the Green Bay that we know and love today,” Evers said.
“Couldn’t be a better place, given Bart’s connection to the Packers and Lambeau Field. We’re really honored,” said Packers President Mark Murphy.
Murphy also took a moment to reflect on Starr’s career and impact on and off the field.
“What a remarkable man. Just a beloved figure in Packers history, he epitomized for so many of our fans – hard work, humility, leadership, excellence, and class,” Murphy said. “He was a champion not only on the field, but of countless initiatives and organizations and people who need help. He worked hard to help those less fortunate and make our community a better place.”
One of those organizations was Rawhide Boys Ranch. John Gillespie recalls the story that he was looking for help, called Starr’s home, and immediately struck up a more than 50 year friendship.
“I’m hoping that his character , yes his football, but his character as a human being and concern about others would be remembered,” Gillespie told WTAQ News.
Gillespie also says that Starr and Ray Nitschke are looking down at the people enjoying the CityDeck, which is now between their memorial bridges, with big smiles.
“I think it’s very clever that Ray Nitschke and Bart are uniting together to provide a really neat place for people to enjoy,” Gillespie said. “Cherry [Starr] always shared that we owe a debt of gratitude to everybody that wants to talk to us. Because they’re the ones who support the Packers.”
You can hear the entirety of Gillespie’s comments here:
Starr spent 16 seasons with the Packers, winning five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. He later became the team’s head coach, serving the role from 1975-83.
He died in 2019 at the age of 85.
