Forrest Gregg, who earned the nickname “Iron Man” for playing in a then-record 188 consecutive NFL games during his Hall of Fame career, died Friday at the age of 85, it was announced.
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 former offensive lineman, who was a six-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler, played 15 seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys from 1956 to 1971.
He went on to coach the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Packers, compiling a record of 75-85-1. He led Cincinnati to the Super Bowl after the 1981 season, where the Bengals lost to San Francisco 26-21.
“The game lost a giant today,” Hall of Fame president 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.”
A guard and tackle, Gregg won a-half dozen NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls with the Packers. Gregg finished his career with another Super Bowl title with the Cowboys in 1971.
He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
Legendary coach Vince Lombardi once called Gregg “the best player I ever coached.”
The Packers selected Gregg, who played collegiately at SMU, in the second round of the 1956 NFL draft.
Gregg was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, and he had overcome melanoma in 1976 and colon cancer in 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source : ESPN
