1977 Profile: Jack Gregory

Defensive End
No. 81
Delta State
"A former All-Pro who has achieved senior citizen status. Almost old enough to play for George Allen, Gregory was never better than in his first season with the Giants, 1972, when he led the NFL in sacks with 21 and was named All-Pro. He has been good, but not quite that good since. He probably has one outstanding year left in him, and the Giants could use it this season. Heck, the Giants could use anything.
Born in Okolona, Mississippi, where he still lives and raises cattle, his father, Jack Sr., played with the Cleveland Rams in the early '40s. Jack Jr. started college at Chattanooga and finished at Delta State. The Browns drafted him ninth in 1965 as a future. Gregory started for four years at Cleveland for four years before the trade."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"The Giants obtained Gregory from the Cleveland Browns in 1972 for a No. 1 draft choice after he had played out his option with the Browns. He had a banner season in 1972, leading the NFL in quarterback sacks with 21, being named first-team All-NFL by both UPI and the Pro Football Writers and going to the Pro Bowl.
In 1973 and 1974, Jack tailed off in his performances to nine and 11 sacks respectively, with many of his problems due to the critical illness of his infant son and the constant medical care. In 1975, with the youngster well again, Gregory responded with still another banner campaign. He played in all 14 games and looked like the Gregory of 1972, coming up with 15 individual quarterback sacks, numerous blocked passes and a fumble recovery. Last year, Jack had another solid season, playing in 11 games before he went down with a knee injury against Denver and missed the final three games of the year.
He now has 64 sacks in five seasons with the Giants, one of the leading totals in the NFL over that span. Jack was a No. 9 choice of the Browns as a future in 1965 and was a four-year starter for Cleveland, winning All-AFC honors and Pro Bowl designation in 1970.
Gregory began his collegiate career at Chattanooga University as a defensive tackle and a defensive end, then transferred to Delta State where he concluded his collegiate career as a two-way end.
He was born in Okolona, Mississippi and excelled at all sports at Okolona High School. His father, Jack Sr., played pro football with the Cleveland Rams in the early 1940s. Jack still resides in his hometown with his wife and young son on a large ranch where he raises cattle, cotton and soybeans."

-1977 New York Giants Media Guide