NFL legend Bart Starr undergoes second experimental stem cell treatment in Mexico

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr hopes to be in Green Bay on Thanksgiving to see Brett Favre’s No. 4 jersey retired at halftime in person after recently undergoing his second experimental stem cell treatment in Mexico.

“Bart will be going on the field with Brett,” his wife Cherry Starr told USA Today. “We’re really excited about that.”

Starr, 81, suffered two strokes in 2014, prompting his family to seek out therapy options for the five-time NFL champion and Super Bowl I and II’s most valuable player.

In June, Starr’s family announced that he would be taking part in a clinical trial using stem cells. Starr had to travel to Tijuana for the procedure because such treatments have not been approved for use in the United States.

His particular treatment was derived from the bone marrow of a young adult and cells from a donated fetus.

“I know there’s a lot of controversy about it, but I’m comfortable with it,” Cherry Starr said. “Bart and I lost a first child at 4½ months that we were expecting. If I could have contributed to someone’s health with donating my fetus, I would have gladly done it. It would really make me happy to know I was helping someone.”

His wife said the former Packers quarterback had trouble walking and couldn’t feed himself after initially suffering the strokes. A few weeks after his first treatment in June, she said his condition had improved and he was able to resume those activities.

Starr isn’t the first former athlete to seek out such treatment after suffering from a stroke. Hockey Hall of Famer Gordie Howe and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie have also reportedly undergone similar such procedures.

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme