Green Bay Packer Legend Forrest Gregg Dies At 85

Green Bay Packer legend Forrest Greg died Friday. He was 85.

“The Game lost a giant today. Forrest Gregg exemplified greatness during a legendary career that earned him a Bronzed Bust in Canton,” Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker said in a statement. “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.”

Gregg first rose to prominence as an offensive tackle for Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers. Lombardi once called Gregg the finest player he ever coached. During his playing days, Gregg started 188 straight games, earning the moniker "Iron Man."

Gregg went to nine Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro eight times. He played for the Packers and Dallas Cowboys during his career.

After retiring as a player, Gregg became a head coach for the Cleveland Browns. He remained in Cleveland from 1975 to 1977 before heading to the Cincinnati Bengals, from 1980 to 1983. He finished his coaching career in Green Bay, leading his old team from 1983 to 1987.

In the 1981 season, Gregg led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance.

In 2011, Gregg was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He became a spokesperson for an online community group that gave Parkinson's patients an outlet to share their stories.

Original Reporting By Chris Moseby