CANTON, OH (WTAQ) – Hall of Famer Forrest Gregg, who was described by Vince Lombardi as “the best player I ever coached,” passed away today at age 85.
Gregg starred at tackle, and guard for the Green Bay Packers from 1956-1970 and one final season with the 1971 Dallas Cowboys.
“I think he was a master technician, a student of the game and smart,” Team Historian Cliff Christl said.
He added that Gregg is probably considered the best offensive lineman on one of the greatest offensive lines.
Gregg, named All-NFL eight straight seasons and who played in nine Pro Bowls, was a member of six NFL/NFC championship teams and three Super Bowl winners.
He was elected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s and the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
“He could play just about anywhere and at that point in time, the right tackle usually went up against the best Defensive End,” said Christl.
Following his playing career, Gregg embarked on a long coaching career that included 11 seasons as a head coach in the National Football League (1975-77 Cleveland Browns, 1980-83 Cincinnati Bengals, and 1984-87 Green Bay Packers).
During the 1981 season, he led the Bengals to their first-ever Super Bowl.
“I remember has a Head Coach he was passionate he was tough and some of the players said he was too tough.”
Gregg was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame flag on Hall’s campus will be flown at half-staff until Gregg is laid to rest.
