Former Parker Ken Bowman Has Passed Away

Ken Bowman, the former center for the Green Bay Packers, who played a key role in three consecutive championship teams, passed away at the age of 81. The Packers announced on Tuesday that Bowman died last Wednesday in Oro Valley, Arizona. While the cause of death was not disclosed, the team’s statement, referring to Bowman’s wife, Roseann, mentioned that he died of natural causes.

Bowman contributed to the Packers’ success during the 1965 NFL title-winning season and played a pivotal role in the Super Bowl victories of the following two seasons. His notable moment came in the “Ice Bowl” in 1967, where he snapped the ball to Bart Starr and delivered a crucial block for the Hall of Fame quarterback’s game-winning 1-yard touchdown sneak. This play secured the Packers’ 21-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL championship game marked by a kickoff temperature of minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to his success in championship games, Bowman also stepped in for an injured Bill Curry at center during the first Super Bowl, contributing to the Packers’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Selected by the Packers in the eighth round of the 1964 draft from the University of Wisconsin, Bowman played in 123 games, making 107 starts, all with Green Bay. Beyond his on-field contributions, he served as the Packers’ player representative and was also an NFL Players Association vice president.