This week in Upper East Texas history.
Forrest Gregg, NFL player and coach, died April 12, 2019
Alvis Forrest Gregg died on April 12, 2019, at age 85. He was born in Birthright, Texas, on October 18, 1933. He played college football at SMU in Dallas. He spent 16 seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman. He was known for playing with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. He won six NFL championships, including three Super Bowls. He played in 188 consecutive games. He earned nine Pro Bowl selections and eight All-NFL honors. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After playing, he became a head coach in the NFL, CFL, and at SMU. In 1981, he led the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl. He later helped rebuild the SMU football program. He remained connected to Texas through his early life and coaching at SMU. He died from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. He was survived by his wife, children, and siblings.
