FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04/12/2019
DAVID BAKER’S STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF HALL OF FAMER FORREST GREGG
CANTON, OHIO – Hall of Famer FORREST GREGG, who was described by legendary coach VINCE LOMBARDI as “the best player I ever coached,” passed away today at age 85. Gregg starred at tackle, and guard as needed, for the Green Bay Packers from 1956, 1958-1970 and one final season with the 1971 Dallas Cowboys.
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.
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.
Gregg was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
STATEMENT FROM HALL OF FAME PRESIDENT & CEO DAVID BAKER
“The Game lost a giant today. 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.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Forrest’s wife Barb and the entire Gregg family. We hope that they find comfort in knowing that his great legacy will live forever at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
FLAG AT HALF STAFF The Pro Football Hall of Fame flag on the Hall’s campus will be flown at half-staff until Gregg is laid to rest.
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CONTACTS: Pete Fierle, Chief of Staff & Senior Vice President of Communications [email protected]; 330-588-3622
Rachel Gutting, Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives [email protected]; 330-588-3671
ABOUT THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the National Football League, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museum’s commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.
Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe travel to Canton annually to experience “The Most Inspiring Place on Earth!” that chronicles America’s most popular sport. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, also voted Top Tourist Attraction in Ohio, was named the Best Attraction for Sports Fans in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest.
Construction on Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, a mixed-use development project that will include 10 main components, is under way in Canton to transform the Hall of Fame’s campus.
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