This week, Mitt Romney unveiled a surprise for Wisconsinites at a rally in West Allis: the endorsement of the greatest living Green Bay Packer, a man legendary not only for his three MVP awards, but known far and wide for his genuine humility, Bart Starr.

Starr, of course, was the legendary quarterback of all of Vince Lombardi’s titanic teams of the 1960’s, winning 5 NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. He is probably best remembered for his famous quarterback sneak on fourth down in the “Ice Bowl” in the 1967 NFL Championship game. That play won the game for the Packers with only seconds remaining on the clock.

Starr, 78, is as beloved in Wisconsin as any living man, and probably more than many who have passed on. He spoke this way:

"During the course of my football and business careers, I have had the great honor of meeting and associating with many outstanding leaders. This list includes some of the best football coaches of all time and numerous small-business owners. There are certain consistent qualities in each of these men – integrity, unselfishness, vision, dedication, and a willingness to unify individuals into a team – that I see in Governor Mitt Romney. He has been successful in every endeavor he has pursued, and I have every confidence that, if elected president, he would continue that remarkable level of success."

After Starr put on glasses to read short excerpts from Vince Lombardi Jr.’s book, “What it Takes To Be #1: Vince Lombardi on Leadership,” he described Romney as a leader of “integrity and excellence’ adding, “We’ll be electing a truly, truly special gentleman.”

If Bart Starr calls you a gentleman, you’d better believe it’s true.