A native Texan and a Southern Methodist University leader as a student and an alum, Forrest Gregg's No. 73 was retired at halftime of last Saturday's game between the Mustangs and San Jose State. Gregg was a two-way player at offensive and defensive tackle on Mustang football team from 1952-55 and wore No. 73 throughout his career.

Born in Birthright, Texas, Gregg attended Sulphur Springs High School and chose to attend SMU on a football scholarship over Texas A&M. Gregg was a dominant force on both sides of the line as a collegian and earned All-Southwest Conference honors as a junior and senior in 1954 and 1955. He also served as SMU co-captain in his final year.

After his career on the Hilltop concluded, Gregg moved on to a 14-year career in the National Football League. He played for the Green Bay Packers for 13 years and closed his NFL career in 1971 with the Dallas Cowboys. While with the Packers, Gregg won a pair of Super Bowl Rings in 1967 and 1968. Gregg was called "the finest player I have ever coached" by the late Vince Lombardi, who coached Gregg with the Packers. Gregg set a still-standing Green Bay record by playing in 187 consecutive games and was chosen All-Pro eight straight years from 1960-67. He also played in nine Pro Bowls. When his playing days were over, Gregg excelled in the coaching ranks. He earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 1975 when guiding the Cleveland Browns and also led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 12-4 record and Super Bowl appearance during the 1981 season. Gregg returned to Green Bay as head coach of the Packers for four seasons from 1984-87.

When football returned to the Hilltop in 1989, it was natural that Gregg would play a part. He served as head coach of the 1989 and 1990 Mustangs then moved into administration at the school and held the position of SMU's athletic director from 1990-94.

Gregg was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1977 and was voted a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994. He recently was named to the NFL Hall of Fame Millennium Team. He will also receive the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award later this fall. The award represents the highest honor the university and its Alumni Association can bestow upon alumni of the institution.