Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Forrest Gregg died Friday at the age of 85, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Friday.
Gregg, whom Vince Lombardi described as the best player he’d ever coached, played 15 seasons in the NFL. He was a five-time NFL champion, two-time Super Bowl winner, nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time first-team All-Pro. He was also named to the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team and the 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Gregg became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Packers Hall of Fame in 1977.
He later enjoyed a long career as a coach, including a four-year run as head coach of the Packers (1984-1987). Before that, he led the Cincinnati Bengals to an appearance in Super Bowl XVI after the 1981 season.
Gregg was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011. He died in Colorado.
“The game lost a giant today,” Hall of Fame chairman David Baker said in a statement. “Forrest Gregg exemplified greatness during a legendary career that earned him a bronzed bust in Canton. He was the type of player who led by example and, in doing so, raised the level of play of all those around him. Forrest symbolized many great traits and virtues that can be learned from this Game to inspire people from all walks of life.”
Packers team president Mark Murphy called Gregg “one of the greatest” in team history, labeling him as a “legendary player” and the “ultimate team player.”
Gregg played several positions along the offensive line and quickly became one of Lombardi’s most reliable players. He played in 187 consecutive games as the Packers began their run of championships.
