Forrest Gregg was considered by Vince Lombardi the best player he ever coached. Vernon Biever photograph

Packers coach Vince Lombardi called him the best player he ever coached and he played in 188 straight games, a record at the time. But now Forrest Gregg, 78, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – a condition that has left the iron man with  symptoms that include hand tremors, stooped posture, a shortened stride and a softened voice.

Many remember Gregg as the hardened soul who was a part of the championship offensive lines that protected Bart Starr and blew holes open for Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung. He also coached the Packers in the 80s and was always known as a tough man. His distaste of opposing teams, especially the Chicago Bears and their coach, Mike Ditka, are legendary.

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