The Sports Xchange

Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr has undergone experimental treatment using stem cells to help with his failing health.

The Green Bay Packers great has been recovering from two strokes and a heart attack that he suffered last year.

Starr’s family issued an update Wednesday on the 81-year-old’s condition.

“Following Bart’s strokes, our family began to investigate numerous therapy options,” the family said in a statement posted on the Packers’ official website. “Several months ago we applied for and were accepted into a clinical trial using stem cells. Friday we safely returned home from the first of the two treatments.

“While we welcome everyone’s interest and support of Bart’s health, at this time, we’d like to allow him a chance to fully participate in the clinical trial and let the results, if any, to speak for themselves. At an appropriate time in the future, our family looks forward to sharing the details of Bart’s participation in this most important clinical exploration of what role stem cells may play in the treatment of stroke.

“Until then, we continue to thank you for all of your love and prayers. Your support has given us much strength over the past nine months. Bart joins me in sending our love and appreciation to all our special friends and fans. We are working hard toward the one goal he most cherishes: a return to Green Bay for a Packers game.”

Starr played 16 seasons in Green Bay and led the Packers to the first two Super Bowl championships. He later became the Packers’ head coach from 1975 to 1983.