Wife: Bart Starr Recovering From Strokes, Heart Attack

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The wife of Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr said in a statement Sunday that her husband is recovering from two strokes and a mild heart attack and is making progress in rehabilitation.

Cherry Starr's update on her husband's condition was released on the Green Bay Packers website.

She said Starr's doctors confirmed the 80-year-old suffered an ischemic stroke on Sept. 2, followed on Sept. 7 by a hemorrhagic stroke and a mild heart attack. She said his progress was slowed by seizures, which are now being controlled 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.

She said the family has enjoyed cards and messages from fans and is grateful for their concern.

"Our family appreciates your prayers and patience while Bart takes the necessary time to recover," she said. "We love you all."

Starr led the Packers to five NFL titles and two Super Bowl championships. He was Green Bay's head coach from 1975 to 1983.

Starr, who lives in the Birmingham, Alabama, area, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1977. He has typically attended team-related events and at least one Packers game at Lambeau Field each year.

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