Bob Gregor

Gregor was born on February 10, 1957, in Riverside, California. He attended Monte Vista High School in Danville,{{cite news|title=Bob Gregor No. 43|date=August 30, 1984|newspaper=Times-Advocate|at=sec. North County Consumer News, p. 18|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136145590/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 3, 2023}} where he played football as a flanker, cornerback and punter,{{cite news|first=Alan|last=McCallaster|title=The Defensive Backs Will Be Busy|date=October 22, 1977|newspaper=Oakland Tribune|page=35-E|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune/136147575/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 4, 2023}} and was named the team's most valuable player. He also excelled in basketball and track and field,{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Zupan|title=Walden Plans On Staying|date=August 24, 1978|newspaper=Contra Costa Times|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/contra-costa-times/136147306/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 3, 2023}} earning all-league honors in the 100-yard dash and starring as a triple jumper.

Gregor was recruited to Washington State University by Cougars football head coach Jim Sweeney. Gregor spent five years with the Cougars, missing one season with injuries. A tough player, he played aggressively and sometimes recklessly.{{cite news|first=Don|last=Norcross|title=Chargers' Gregor is accustomed to underdog role|date=July 20, 1980|newspaper=Times-Advocate|page=B-3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136147977/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 2, 2023}} As a fifth-year senior in 1979, Gregor was called "one of the hardest hitters in this game", by Jim Walden, who by then was the Cougars' head coach. "Reckless, his hits hurt—sometimes himself", added the coach.{{cite news|first=Harry|last=Missildine|date=November 8, 1979|title=Bob Gregor: his hits hurt|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|page=34|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-spokesman-review/136140842/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 2, 2023}} According to Walden, "only injuries" prevented Gregor from being one of the top players in the Pac-10 Conference.{{cite news|first=Harry|last=Missildine|title=Sixteen Coug seniors to battle the Huskies|date=November 15, 1979|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|page=38|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-spokesman-review/136140897/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 2, 2023}}

The San Diego Chargers selected Gregor with their second pick of the 1980 NFL draft, choosing him in the fourth round with the 108th overall pick.{{cite web|title=Bob Gregor|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregBo20.htm|accessdate=November 3, 2019}} The Chargers had him rated as the top strong safety and 28th best player in the draft,{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Quarterback Rich Chargers Pick Up Another|date=April 30, 1980|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-1|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CE509D1F92557B@2444360-13CE4F5560C47673@34-13CE4F5560C47673@?search_terms=|via=NewsBank|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 3, 2023}} which was counter to the NFL trend of valuing a defender's coverage skills over their hitting ability.{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Chargers Hopefuls Not Lacking Talent|date=July 29, 1980|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-2|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CA694F748A5C2B@2444450-13C8B06051B8D54C@23-13C8B06051B8D54C@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 6, 2023}} However, he was placed on injured reserve before the 1980 season began due to shoulder and ankle injuries. San Diego head coach Don Coryell said that Gregor hit "so hard I don't know if [he] can last.{{cite news|first=Dave|last=Distel|title=Experience Wasn't LAsting For Mitchell|date=August 27, 1980|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=pt. III, pp. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136148571/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136148534/ 4]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136148571/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 6, 2023}} Later, the team wanted to add him to their active roster midseason, but he would have needed to be placed on waivers, which Coryell said would be too risky, believing another club would claim him.{{cite news|first=Don|last=Norcross|title=Battered Chargers send out an S.O.S. call|date=November 24, 1980|newspaper=Times-Advocate|page=D-1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136086089/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 2, 2023}} The Chargers fell one game short of the Super Bowl that season, losing to Oakland in the AFC Championship Game.{{cite news|first=Don|last=Norcross|title=Pardee's task: put Chargers in Super Bowl XVI|date=July 19, 1981|newspaper=Times-Advocate|page=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136310021/ B1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136310054/ B4]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136310021/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 5, 2023}} The defense was blamed for the loss, allowing a 28–7 lead to the Raiders before the offense rallied to within 34–27 with 6:52 remaining in the game. However, the defense was unable to get the ball back for an opportunity to tie and force overtime, as the Raiders' offense ran out the clock.{{cite news|first=Dave|last=Distel|title=Pardee Put Touch of Picasso into Chargers' Defense|date=September 5, 1981|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=part III, pp. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136315036/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136150760/ 9] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136315036/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 5, 2023}}

File:Bob Gregor.jpg (holding ball) and the Detroit Lions in 1981]]

Looking to improve their defense and reach the Super Bowl, San Diego hired Jack Pardee in 1981 as its new assistant head coach in charge of their defense. Renowned for using a variety of coverages, he replaced defensive coordinator Jackie Simpson, whose defense was criticized for being predictable.{{cite news|first=Dave|last=Distel|title=Will This Be the Year?|date=September 3, 1981|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=part IX, pp. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136314643/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136150924/ 10]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/136314643/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 5, 2023}} Pardee inherited a Chargers unit that ranked 18th out of 28 teams in points allowed per game (20.4) during the regular season, and surrendered 24 or more points seven times, including the playoffs.{{cite news|title=AFC West|date=August 30, 1981|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|page=8E|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle/136309963/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 5, 2023}}{{cite web|title=1980 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees|work=Pro Football Reference|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1980.htm|access-date=December 5, 2023}} However, it also ranked sixth in yards allowed per game (293.2). Pardee named four new starters on defense. Only the cornerbacks remained the same in the secondary, with Gregor and Frank Duncan replacing Pete Shaw and Mike Fuller as safeties.{{cite news|first=Ailene|last=Voisin|title=Big Plays, Turnovers Redeem Porous, Inconsistent Defense|date=September 23, 1981|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-1|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CF0D80DC98F62D@2444871-13CF0BA1ECAEA71B@32-13CF0BA1ECAEA71B@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 4, 2023}} With the height and range that Pardee desired,{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Bisheff|title=New faces dot Chargers' defensive lineup|date=September 3, 1981|newspaper=Evening Tribune|page=C-1|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6CB81C5E443C@NGPA-CASD-185DE08C745390C3@2444851-185DDAE6B446D00D@65-185DDAE6B446D00D@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 6, 2023}}{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Chargers Pass On Old-Timers|date=October 15, 1981|newspaper=The San Diego Union|pages=[https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CCBE2EDA8A2EE4@2444893-13CCBDBA2955BB45@39 C-1], [https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CCBE2EDA8A2EE4@2444893-13CCB0B56F079C14@41 C-3]|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CCBE2EDA8A2EE4@2444893-13CCBDBA2955BB45@39|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 6, 2023}} Gregor started the first six games at free safety. The team's second-leading tackler at the time, he was sidelined for the next {{frac|1|1|2}} games by a pinched nerve in his neck, which hampered him for the rest of the season. San Diego's defense was among the NFL's worst, ranked 26th with 390 points allowed (24.4 per game) for the season along with a league-worst 269.4 yards passing per game.{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Chargers have trouble finding defensive help|date=February 25, 1982|newspaper=Times-Advocate|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136318505/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 6, 2023}}{{cite web|title=1981 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees|work=Pro Football Reference|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1981.htm|access-date=December 8, 2023}} Their defensive backfield was much maligned. The Chargers were again denied a trip to the Super Bowl after losing to Cincinnati in a frigid AFC title game known as the Freezer Bowl.{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Look for many changes in Chargers' 1983 edition|date=August 8, 1982|newspaper=The Times-Advocate|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-1981-wrap-up/136318887/ D1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/138222180/ D2]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-1981-wrap-up/136318887/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 7, 2024}}

Under new San Diego defensive coordinator Tom Bass in 1982, Gregor moved to strong safety. Chargers secondary coach Jim Wagstaff continued to suggest to Gregor that he curb his hitting intensity to reduce his injury risk. Coryell said that his safety "hits so hard, he maims himself. He's suicidal."{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Chargers Seek Protection For 'Hit Man'|date=August 8, 1982|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=H-3|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13D1E7C622019A10@2445190-13D19EF68659E180@108-13D19EF68659E180@|via=NewsBank|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 5, 2023}} In the season opener, Gregor and fellow safety Andre Young played a large part in forcing Denver into six turnovers.{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Canepa|title=Gregor embodies hard-hitting side of Chargers' defense|date=September 16, 1982|newspaper=Evening Tribune|page=E-8|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6CB81C5E443C@NGPA-CASD-185BBA581D9E2A45@2445229-18599F79AE6CF9AB@87-18599F79AE6CF9AB@|via=NewsBank|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 5, 2023}} In the third game, Gregor dislocated his elbow against the Raiders, when he was reaching to strip the ball from a Raiders player and Chargers teammate Dewey Selmon ran through his arm.{{cite news|first=Bud|last=Shaw|title=If Charger Bob Gregor Can Remain Healthy...|date=September 10, 1983|newspaper=Evening Tribune|pages=[https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6CB81C5E443C@NGPA-CASD-185E5D592F4EE712@2445588-185A80975BB64BEE@17-185A80975BB64BEE@ B-2], [https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6CB81C5E443C@NGPA-CASD-185E5D592F4EE712@2445588-185DCA9959E62748@22 B-7]|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6CB81C5E443C@NGPA-CASD-185E5D592F4EE712@2445588-185A80975BB64BEE@17-185A80975BB64BEE@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 3, 2023}} Gregor missed the next five games of the nine-game season, shortened by a strike that year.

In the 1983 season opener, Gregor was diagnosed with a concussion in a 41–29 loss to the New York Jets.{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Crowded sideline may have contributed to error|date=September 6, 1983|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-5|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13D15BE7633CFC16@2445584-13D1572D4A13BF2D@32-13D1572D4A13BF2D@|via=NewsBank|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 5, 2023}} Reflecting on his history, he called the injuries "frustrating". He added, "I've had my share of concussions. But considering the other possibilities, a concussion isn't that bad". Gregor started the season's first five games before a knee injury ended his season. The injury occurred against the New York Giants, which he started with his former college teammate Ken Greene at free safety, their first NFL start together.{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Chargers to double-team Giants|date=September 29, 1983|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-1|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13D0B538093C3B65@2445607-13D0B163C61A2346@38|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 6, 2023}}{{cite web|title=San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – October 2nd, 1983|work=Pro Football Reference|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198310020nyg.htm|access-date=December 6, 2023}} The injury was not initially considered to be season-ending, but he eventually underwent two arthroscopic surgeries. After Gregor appeared in just 23 games in three years as a starter, the Chargers attempted to increase his availability by starting Miles McPherson in his place in 1984.{{cite news|first=Don|last=Norcross|title=Bob Gregor: Professional 'patient' hasn't altered his hard-hitting style|date=August 25, 1984|newspaper=Times-Advocate|at=sec. North County Consumer News, p. 19|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136146371/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 3, 2023}} Nonetheless, Gregor's season ended after he tore ankle ligaments in week 7 against Kansas City and was placed on injured reserve.{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Norcross|title=Primary trouble is secondary|date=October 17, 1984|newspaper=Times-Advocate|page=C1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136365350/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 7, 2023}}{{cite news|title=Scouting report|date=October 21, 1984|newspaper=Times-Advocate|page=C6|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136365386/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 7, 2023}}{{cite web|title=Bob Gregor 1984 Game Log|work=Pro Football Reference|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregBo20/gamelog/1984/|access-date=December 7, 2023}}

After years of ranking among the worst defenses in the NFL, San Diego decided during the offseason to begin an extensive youth movement. On July 9, 1985, Gregor was among eight veterans, including six on defense, who were released.{{cite news|last=Magee|first=Jerry|title=Chargers cut eight veterans, sign Jackson|date=July 10, 1985|newspaper=San Diego Union|pages=[https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-1739BD9C246A1303@2446257-1739BCBBBB90D891@46 E-1], [https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-1739BD9C246A1303@2446257-1739BCBD9DC97227@52 E-7]|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-1739BD9C246A1303@2446257-1739BCBBBB90D891@46|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=December 3, 2023}}{{cite news|first=Jay|last=Posner|title=Defense boasts new—probably better—look|date=September 5, 1985|newspaper=Times-Advocate|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/136151972/|at=sec. North County Consumer News, p. 10|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=December 5, 2023}} Jerry Magee of The San Diego Union wrote that "the slightly built Gregor ... played with a recklessness that was his own undoing."

After his career in 2012, Gregor joined a concussion-related class-action lawsuit against the NFL. The lawsuit stated that due to repeated head impacts during his NFL career, "Gregor has experienced cognitive and other difficulties including, but not limited to headaches, dizziness, loss of memory, depression, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, and neck and cervical arthritis and associated numbness/tingling."{{cite web|title=IN RE: NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS' CONCUSSION INJURY LITIGATION|publisher=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA|page=12|url=https://media.cleveland.com/science_impact/other/Concussion%20-%20Boyd%20vs.%20NFL.pdf|access-date=December 1, 2023}} In 2015, a federal judge approved a settlement plan that could potentially cost the league $1 billion in payments to players over 65 years.{{cite news|title=Judge approves potential $1 billion settlement to resolve NFL concussion lawsuits|date=April 22, 2015|newspaper=USA Today|agency=AP|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/04/22/nfl-concussion-lawsuit-settlement-judge-1-billion/26192827/|access-date=December 1, 2023}}

• Concussions in American football
• List of NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy

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Category:1957 births

Category:Living people

Category:Monte Vista High School (Danville, California) alumni

Category:San Diego Chargers players

Category:Players of American football from Riverside, California

Category:Washington State Cougars football players