Bart Starr making progress after stroke

Green Bay Packers great Bart Starr remains hospitalized in Alabama after a stroke earlier this month, but reportedly is starting to make progress while receiving intensive therapy.

Lance Allan of WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee tweeted that update on Thursday morning.

Starr, who is 80, was hospitalized in the first week of September after having was what described as a "mild ischemic stroke."

The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback was hospitalized after exhibiting signs at his office that he wasn't his usual self. In a press release issued by the Packers at the time, Starr's family described his condition as "very functional" and "making progress every day."

"He is in the care of his physicians and therapists and will be released as soon as he regains his strength," the family said in the statement earlier this month. "Bart's doctors are confident for a full recovery. We remain grateful for your love and concern."

According to the American Stroke Association, ischemic strokes are caused by fatty deposits obstructing blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

Starr lives in suburban Birmingham, Ala., with his wife of 60 years, Cherry.

Press-Gazette Media reporter Pete Dougherty visited Starr in mid-August for a story about his upbringing in Montgomery, Ala. Starr appeared to be physically fit and moved without any obvious difficulties.

At the time, Starr said he no longer jogs but walks two miles a day and occasionally plays tennis with his wife. He's semi-retired and works short- to medium-length days five days a week at his office in the building that houses his son's investment firm.

Much of his work consists of signing pictures and memorabilia for charities.

When asked about his ability to walk without impediment after playing in the NFL for 16 years, Starr said: "The only way I can explain it is I've been very lucky."

Starr played for the Packers from 1956 to 1971. He was quarterbacks coach in 1972, then was head coach from 1975 to 1983. He was inducted to the Packers and Pro Football halls of fame in 1977.

-- jash@greenbaypressgazette.com or follow on Twitter @JeffAshPG