Bengals president distraught about Greg Cook's death

CINCINNATI - He didn't need to be reminded how shaken he was when Dan Ross died suddenly from a heart attack some years ago. At the time Bengals' President Mike Brown offered heartfelt on-camera comments about the tight end who helped carry Cincinnati to its first Super Bowl.

This was during a time when Mike wasn't granting interviews after being assailed from all sides on issues ranging from stadium construction to on field failure.

But Mike felt strongly enough about Dan that he wanted to share his feelings for all to see. It was a revealing moment for me. There was another one today when Mike Brown took my call on the news of another former players passing. But it was immediately clear there would be no on camera remarks.

As much as he thought of Dan Ross, Mike Brown was that much closer to Greg Cook. He wouldn't risk his regard being swept away in an outpouring of emotion. Mike's tone spoke to his pain. A written statement would have to suffice for the public.

Mike reached out to Greg in recent years, as his former player but more importantly his friend dealt with assorted health issues. The lifeline was there. And Greg's spirit may indeed have been willing to reclaim control of his life but alas the spirit was weak.

The Bengals' president called Greg "the star that wasn't given a chance to shine".

No need to see Mike Brown well up. His sentiment is as impactful in print as it would be on camera.