Ken Bowman, former center for the Green Bay Packers from 1964-73 and part of three consecutive championship teams, has passed away at the age of 81 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Packers reported on Tuesday that Bowman passed away the previous Wednesday in Oro Valley, Arizona. Although the team did not reveal a cause of death, the Packers’ statement included a comment from Bowman’s wife, Roseann, who claimed he died of natural causes.
Bowman was a member of the Packers’ 1965 NFL championship team, the year prior to the inaugural Super Bowl, as well as the Super Bowl champion teams for the following two seasons.
He is perhaps most recognized for his role in the “Ice Bowl,” where he snapped the ball to Bart Starr, and blocked for the Hall of Fame quarterback, facilitating a game-winning 1-yard touchdown sneak. This 1967 NFL championship game was a pivotal 21-17 victory for the Packers over the Dallas Cowboys, even more notable due to a kickoff temperature of minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bowman stepped in for an injured Bill Curry at center during the first Super Bowl, contributing to the Packers’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs a year earlier. This led to the Packers advancing to the Super Bowl, where they defeated the Oakland Raiders.
Bowman was chosen by the Packers from Wisconsin in the eighth round of the 1964 draft. He participated in 123 games and started in 107, all while playing for Green Bay.
For part of his career, Bowman served as the player representative for the Packers and held the position of vice president in the NFL Players Association.
Copyright The Associated Press 2024
