The New York Giants lost a member of their family on Saturday when former defensive lineman Jack Gregory Jr. passed away at his home at the age of 74.
A four-time Pro Bowl end, Gregory was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the ninth round of the 1966 NFL Draft. He later became the first free agent in Browns franchise history, choosing to sign with the Giants in 1972.
Gregory, who was respectfully called “Big Jack,” would spend seven years with New York before returning to the Browns for one final season in 1979.
Unofficially, Gregory was credited with 103 career sacks, including one of New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath on ABC’s first-ever “Monday Night Football” broadcast — a 31-21 Browns victory in 1970.
He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year runner-up in 1972, his first year with the Giants, unofficially recording 21 sacks that season.
He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
Gregory is survived by his wife, Susan Brooks Gregory; his son, E. J. Gregory III; his daughter, Madison Brook Gregory; two stepchildren; five grandchildren; and his brother, Judge John Andrew Gregory.
Once a Giant, always a Giant.
