The First Super Bowl MVP: Bart Starr and his Legacy

The legacy of Bart Starr in the world of professional football is deeply rooted in the pioneering events of the 1960s. While the title of Super Bowl MVP is often associated with Joe Namath, who was recognized in the first Super Bowl to be officially called the Super Bowl, Bart Starr was the first MVP in the much-contested AFL-NFL Championship game of 1967.

Definition and Early History

The term 'Super Bowl' was first officially used in the 1969 game, but the earliest game, now retrospectively called Super Bowl I, was in 1967. This was the AFL-NFL Championship game that predates the official use of the Super Bowl name. Bart Starr, as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, was the first player to receive the accolade of Super Bowl MVP.

A Bart Starr: The Man and the Award

Bart Starr, a veteran quarterback, was instrumental in leading the Packers to their victory in Super Bowl I. Despite the Packers' victory, Starr's performance was stellar: he completed 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards and scored two touchdowns to Max McGee.

Interestingly, the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 15, 1967, saw Max McGee unexpectedly step into the spotlight. McGee, initially expected to be mostly on the bench as a backup to Boyd Dowler, caught both of Starr's scoring passes after Dowler became injured in the opening quarter. This led to a memorable 7-catch, 138-yard, 2-touchdown performance by McGee.

Evolution of the Term 'Super Bowl'

The term 'Super Bowl' became a trademark after Super Bowl III in 1969, which featured the New York Jets over the Baltimore Colts. While Joe Namath was declared MVP, he received the award somewhat controversially as the Jets' success was largely attributed to a robust defensive strategy. Al Atkinson or Johnny Sample might have been more deserving of the MVP title that day.

Since that historic game, 'Super Bowl' has become a highly recognized designation in the United States, forever linked to the pinnacle of American football competition. The branding and the term have become so ingrained that they are now an integral part of the culture surrounding football in the country.

Conclusion

Bart Starr's legacy as the first Super Bowl MVP is remembered not just for the accolade but for his role in paving the way for the modern era of the Super Bowl. His performance in Super Bowl I, and the subsequent win for the Green Bay Packers, stands as a testament to his remarkable skill and determination at a pioneering moment in professional football history.

For those interested in the deep history of the Super Bowl, Bart Starr's feat remains a significant milestone in the evolution of the event; setting the stage for the many great moments that have followed.