Cook's senior jersey finds its rightful home

CINCINNATI - It didn't seem right that the black home game jersey Greg Cook wore during his illustrious senior season at the University of Cincinnati be handed down to some freshman for the 1969 season. That’s how the cash strapped athletic department worked in those days. Equipment, regardless it's sentimental or collector value got re-used.

Then again maybe that's how I rationalized removing it from a storage bin deep in the bowels of Nippert Stadium, 44 years ago. My intention was pure: sometime in the future, I would present it to Greg with great ceremony. I could imagine the million dollar smile that would cross his face as he bellowed, "Where in the world did you get this?"

Sadly, that delivery never took place. Greg died last Thursday from complications related to pneumonia at 65.

But I basked in a smile nearly as big this afternoon with the inevitable question when I handed a containing the relic box to Brandon Cook. He opened it with a joy belying his 45 years asking excitedly, "This was my dad's? Where in the world did you get it?"

Even as I regaled him with its dubious transit from Nippert Stadium to Paul Brown Stadium, he removed his suit coat and pulled the size 46 over his equally formidable frame. Brandon Cook would wear it during today's memorial service for his dad.

Details of the gathering aren't for public consumption but I don't think it would be inappropriate to mention some who attended the dignified tribute hosted by Bengals' President Mike Brown.

Greg's former teammates Mike Reid and Bob Trumpy. Greg's brother, Brent, now residing in Anchorage, Alaska, along with his other brother Chris, and sister Robin. Several other family members were also present. Former Bengals equipment manager Tom Gray, weight trainer Kim Wood, former Reds manager Tommy Helms and Carmon DeLeone, music director of the Cincinnati Ballet Company. The array of mourners amply reflecting the breadth and depth of Greg Cooks interests and avocations both in and out of football.

Former Bengal Ken Moyer, Director of Cincinnati Pro Ministries, presided over the service which featured remarks from both of his sons. Mike Brown spoke on behalf of not so much the organization as the Mike Brown family. Though he expressed some trepidation about speaking, he was spot on. Scattered about were mementos and photos of Greg during his playing days. But on the long faces it was the person not the player who had captivated us during his all too brief life.