On Christmas Eve — December 24, 1974 — former Packers quarterback Bart Starr was announced as the new coach in Green Bay. At the press conference, Starr said, “I’m absolutely ecstatic about this opportunity and I want to thank the Executive Committtee for giving it to me. I’m humbled by it, but I’m not awed by it. I’m not as qualified as I’d like to be, but I’m willing. I ask for the prayers and the patience of all Packer fans. We will earn everything else.” Not long afterwards, bumper stickers that said “A Fresh Start With Bart” started appearing in Green Bay as optimism came over fans who were anxious to get back to the winning ways that had ended with Lombardi’s retirment in 1968.
But, in Starr’s first season, the team he put together managed only a 4-10-0 record, tying for third place in the NFC Central Division. With John Hadl and Don Milan behind center, the Packers were simply not very good. Hadl, for instance threw for 2,095 yards and 6 TD’s... but he also threw 21 interceptions. Running back John Brockington’s best days seemed behind him, with his 434 yards leading the team.
Some of the stories featured in the 1975 Yearbook were: “A Mean Job — Scoring Points”... “Bart Starr — The Art of the Unexpected”... “December 24, 1974 — A Memorable Day”... “Cherry Starr Takes a Look at Bart”... “The New Staff”... “Your 1975 Packers”... “Defense Plays as a Unit”... “The Offensive Line Can Be a Mighty Force”... “QB”... “John Hadl — A Brand New Arm”... “Jorgie’s All Psyched Up” (Long-time Trainer Bud Jorgenson)... “Chester (Marcol) Would Like More Work”... “The Running Game”... “The Record Book”... “A Permanent Hall of Fame in Green Bay”... “Draft: The Essence of Competition”... “Farewell to 1974”...
