Forrest Gregg

The Ultimate Lineman

In the long and storied history of the NFL's greatest linemen, few names stand out as much as Forrest Gregg. A Hall of Famer, nine-time Pro Bowler, and six-time NFL Champion, Gregg was the foundation of the legendary Green Bay Packers dynasty under Vince Lombardi.

Known for his unmatched toughness, incredible durability, and flawless technique, Gregg wasn’t just a great offensive lineman—he was the gold standard. His ability to dominate defensive linemen, protect Hall of Fame quarterbacks, and lead one of the greatest offensive lines in history made him an irreplaceable piece of the Packers’ legendary run in the 1960s.

Vince Lombardi himself once said:
"Forrest Gregg is the finest player I ever coached."

When the greatest coach in NFL history calls you the best player he ever worked with, you know you’ve achieved something truly legendary.

The Numbers Behind Gregg’s Greatness

Six-time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965-1967 with the Packers, 1971 with the Cowboys)
Nine-time Pro Bowler (1959, 1961-1967, 1969)
Seven-time First-Team All-Pro (1960, 1962-1967, 1969)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th & 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
Played in 188 consecutive games (longest streak for an offensive lineman at the time)
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1977)

Gregg’s ability to stay on the field, dominate his opponents, and play at an elite level for over a decade is what set him apart. He was a key piece of one of the greatest offensive lines in NFL history, a unit that paved the way for the Packers’ dynasty.

From SMU to Green Bay – The Making of a Champion

Before becoming an NFL icon, Forrest Gregg was a standout at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he excelled as an offensive and defensive lineman.

Known for his athleticism, intelligence, and relentless motor, he was an All-Southwest Conference selection and a team captain.
His dominance at SMU made him an attractive prospect for the NFL, and in 1956, the Green Bay Packers selected him in the second round (20th overall) of the NFL Draft.

At the time, the Packers were a struggling franchise, but Gregg’s arrival—along with several other key players—helped set the stage for one of the greatest dynasties in football history.

Becoming the Heart of the Packers’ Dynasty

By 1959, Vince Lombardi took over as head coach, and the Packers instantly transformed into an NFL powerhouse. One of Lombardi’s first moves was ensuring that Gregg was a key part of his offensive line, protecting Bart Starr and blocking for Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung.

Gregg was a master technician, able to handle the best pass rushers of his era with his footwork, leverage, and brute strength.
His ability to pull on sweep plays and lead-block in Lombardi’s famous "Power Sweep" made him an invaluable asset in the Packers’ dominant rushing attack.
He played both tackle and guard, showcasing his versatility and elite football IQ.

During the 1960s, Gregg was a part of six NFL championship teams, including victories in the first two Super Bowls (1966 & 1967). His consistency, durability, and leadership were cornerstones of the Packers’ legendary success.

The Move to Dallas – One More Championship

After spending 14 seasons in Green Bay, Gregg joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1971 for one final season.

Though he was in the twilight of his career, he still played at a high level, helping the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins.
His leadership was a key component of the Cowboys’ first-ever Super Bowl victory, making Gregg one of the rare players to win championships with multiple teams.

He retired after the 1971 season, having played 188 consecutive games—a record for an offensive lineman at the time.

Defining Moments of Gregg’s Career

Vince Lombardi’s Greatest Player: Named by Lombardi as the best player he ever coached, a testament to his dominance.
Key Piece of the Packers’ Dynasty: Won five NFL Championships and two Super Bowls in the 1960s.
Played in 188 Consecutive Games: A record for offensive linemen, showcasing his unmatched durability.
Super Bowl VI Champion with the Cowboys (1971): One last title before retiring as a champion.
Hall of Fame Induction (1977): Cemented his place among the all-time greats.

The Most Iconic Forrest Gregg Football Cards

For collectors, Gregg’s football cards remain some of the most valuable vintage lineman cards:

1959 Topps #130 Forrest Gregg Rookie Card – His first card and a must-have for Packers collectors.
1966 Philadelphia #57 Forrest Gregg – A classic card from the peak of the Packers’ dominance.
1969 Topps #168 Forrest Gregg – One of his final cards as an active player.

Beyond the Field – Coaching and Leadership

After retiring, Gregg moved into coaching, where he continued to make an impact:

Head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1975-1977), Cincinnati Bengals (1980-1983), and Green Bay Packers (1984-1987).
Led the Bengals to Super Bowl XVI in 1981, proving that his leadership extended beyond playing.
Coached at SMU, his alma mater, helping rebuild their program.

Though he didn’t reach the same legendary status as a coach, Gregg’s influence and leadership remained strong, inspiring the next generation of players and coaches.

The Legacy of Forrest Gregg – The Standard for Offensive Linemen

Forrest Gregg wasn’t just great—he was the definition of consistency, dominance, and toughness.

In an era when offensive linemen were rarely recognized, he proved that great linemen were just as valuable as star quarterbacks and running backs. His ability to dominate in the trenches, execute Lombardi’s legendary power sweeps, and protect his quarterbacks at an elite level made him the benchmark for future offensive tackles.

His durability, versatility, and leadership helped make the Green Bay Packers one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history. To this day, he is remembered as one of the greatest linemen to ever play the game.

Final Thoughts – The Toughest Lineman of All Time

Few players have ever embodied toughness, consistency, and championship excellence like Forrest Gregg. His dominance in Green Bay, his leadership in Dallas, and his impact on the game as a coach ensure that his legacy will never fade.

Whether it was protecting Bart Starr, paving the way for Jim Taylor, or leading teams to championships, Gregg was the ultimate warrior in the trenches.