Our Growth. Our Story. Our Impact. is a web series highlighting the rich history of Grand Rapids Public Schools.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- The last time the Detroit Lions were NFL champions was in 1957 when they defeated the Cleveland Browns 59-14. One of the many stars of the title game was a 22-year-old rookie from Grand Rapids named Terry Barr. Barr recovered a fumble early in the game and later intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown.
Big moments were a matter of course for Barr, who grew up as part of a family of 12 on Grand Rapids’ east side. He was a three-sport star at Central High School, participating in basketball, football and track. He was the state champion two years running in the 440-yard dash and an all-state football player his senior year. One of his football teammates was future astronaut Roger B. Chaffee.
Barr moved on to the University of Michigan and quickly made a name for himself in the classroom and on the football field. He was chosen as the team's Most Valuable Player for the 1955 season and two years later was selected for All-Big Ten honors while leading the conference in scoring.
Barr was drafted by the Detroit Lions and spent most of his first three seasons as a defensive back and return specialist. The Lions then moved him to wide receiver to take advantage of his speed. Barr was an instant success, making the Pro Bowl two years in a row and leading the NFL in touchdown catches in 1963.
Injuries intervened, however, and Barr retired at the age of 30. After football, Barr found success in the business world, building a prosperous sales agency and investing in a number of commercial ventures, including a restaurant, commercial real estate, and several manufacturing operations.
He and his wife, Shelley, relocated to the Bloomfield Hills area where they raised three children. They celebrated 51 years of marriage before Terry passed at the age of 73 in 2009 after a lengthy illness. Terry Barr was honored by many organizations throughout his life, including the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Article by GF Korreck
Source: Former Michigan and Detroit Lions standout Terry Barr dead at 73; Brian VanOchten, The Grand Rapids Press, May 29, 20009.
Image: Courtesy of the Grand Rapids History Center
