In a somber announcement, the Green Bay Packers revealed the passing of Ken Bowman, a stalwart center who played a pivotal role in the team’s glory years from 1964 to 1973. Bowman, aged 81, passed away in Oro Valley, Arizona, last Wednesday. While the team did not disclose the cause of death, Bowman’s wife, Roseann, stated that he died of natural causes.
Bowman’s legacy is woven into the Packers’ golden era, marked by three consecutive championship victories. He played a key role in securing the NFL title in 1965 and then contributed to the triumphs in the first two Super Bowls. His notable moment came in the iconic “Ice Bowl” of 1967, where Bowman’s precise snap to Bart Starr and a crucial block set the stage for Starr’s game-winning touchdown sneak in the bone-chilling minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit against the Dallas Cowboys.
Beyond his heroics in championship games, Bowman’s reliability and skill were evident throughout his 123 games and 107 starts, all with the Green Bay Packers. Drafted from the University of Wisconsin in the eighth round of the 1964 draft, Bowman became a linchpin in the Packers’ offensive line.
Notably, he stepped into the center position during the inaugural Super Bowl, filling in for the injured Bill Curry and contributing to the victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. A testament to his versatility and resilience, Bowman’s impact extended beyond the field; he served as the Packers’ player representative and held the position of NFL Players Association vice president during parts of his career.
As the Packers and football enthusiasts mourn the loss of a true legend, Ken Bowman’s legacy lives on through the memories of championships, his crucial plays in historic games, and his enduring contributions to the Green Bay Packers’ storied history.