Sports

Two Hall of Famers, Los Angeles Rams defensive end Deacon Jones and Green Bay Packers tackle Forrest Gregg, battle it out during a 34-21 Rams victory on Oct. 19, 1969, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. (James Flores / Getty Images)

'Best Player' Vince Lombardi Ever Coached Dies at 85

By The Wildcard April 12, 2019 at 7:25am

Forrest Gregg, the great lineman for the mighty Green Bay Packers of the 1960s whom Vince Lombardi called the “best player I ever coached,” has died.

He was 85.

Hall of Famer and @packers legend Forrest Gregg passed away today at the age of 85.

More on his legacy: https://t.co/ncTv8xnGBQ pic.twitter.com/usAksqdj9p

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 12, 2019

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his death Friday but did not disclose details.

A member of the Hall of Fame, Gregg starred at tackle and guard. He played on six NFL/NFC championship teams and three Super Bowl winners.

We honor the life and legacy of Hall of Famer and @packers legend Forrest Gregg #RIP pic.twitter.com/xu12Ii59if

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 12, 2019

He was elected to the NFL’s all-decade team of the 1960s and its 75th anniversary team.

He went on to coach in the NFL for 11 years.

Gregg coached Cleveland (1975-77), Cincinnati (1980-83) and Green Bay (1984-87). He guided the Bengals to their first Super Bowl during the 1981 season.

Forrest Gregg, who coached the #Bengals to their first Super Bowl, has passed away.

Bengals mourn passing of Gregg ?: https://t.co/HbsfXNX1ij pic.twitter.com/rzt35sMheL

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 12, 2019

Gregg began his NFL career in 1956 and played a final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 1971.

He entered the Hall of Fame in 1977. Its president, David Baker, described him as a “giant” who “exemplified greatness during a legendary career.”

“He was the type of player who led by example and, in doing so, raised the level of play of all those around him,” Baker said in a statement. “Forrest symbolized many great traits and virtues that can be learned from this game to inspire people from all walks of life.”

Gregg’s career numbers are about as pristine as an offensive lineman could ever have.

RIP Forrest Gregg
Tackle-Guard: #Packers 1956, ’58-70, Cowboys ’71
Head Coach: Browns ’75-77, #Bengals ’80-83, GB ’84-87

• PFHOF Class of ’77
• 6x NFL Champ, 3x SB Champ
• ’81 AFC Champion HC
• NFL 75th Anniversary Team
• All-’60s Team
• 9 Pro Bowls, 7x First-Team All-Pro pic.twitter.com/VUN7IZJlrn

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) April 12, 2019

The flag at the Hall will be flown at half-staff.

Survivors include his wife, Barb.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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