My memories of Greg Cook are of a more personal nature. I have wonderful memories of a young man who simply adored his 9 year old son Brandon.  He had a great love for his Mother, Siblings and Grandmother when she was alive, and  loved going back to Chillicothe to be with family. 

He played for the University of Cincinnati before he was drafted by the Bengals in 1969. He was regarded as one of, if not, the best quarterbacks in college football when he was selected fifth overall by Cincinnati.  He was declared by the American Football League as its 1969 passing champion. This was based on average league ranking over several categories. He excelled in long passes. He posted a leage-leading average of 9.41 yards per attempt. This statistic remains a Bengals record to this day. He was named AFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by Associated Press and United Press International.

When Greg's career as a Quarterback for the Bengals ended Greg never fully rebounded.  His  injuries not only left him in physical pain, but I believe he was scarred even more so psychologically .  I remember the New England Patriots recruiter calling but getting Greg to respond was an impossibility. Greg's career ended after a serious shoulder injury his shoulder in the third game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1969.  Oddly in 1974 the Kansas City Chiefs picked him up for a short stint and then cut him.  Greg's head and heart were never again in the game.

It has been nearly 36 years since I last saw Greg.  He was a dear friend to so many.  His will be missed by all.

Linda Loschiavo Makofski