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Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2014
- Class:
- 1997
Gregory G. Parker '97
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 2014
Greg Parker ’97 set the standard as a shutdown cornerback for the Brown football team from 1993-96, helping former coach Mark Whipple build a winning program for which current coach Phil Estes has carried on the tradition. In a pass-heavy football landscape today, people often talk about the importance of a cornerback that can shutdown an opposing team’s best receiver. Greg Parker’s speed, instincts, and football IQ instilled fear into opposing quarterbacks and allowed the Bears to field a stout defense over his four-year tenure.
A rare four-year letterwinner during that era, Parker would go on to earn All-Ivy accolades for three seasons, All-American honors as a junior, and All-New England recognition as a senior. During his stellar junior campaign, he intercepted five passes and recorded 42 tackles for the Bears while contributing on special teams, blocking three punts and two field goals. His presence on the field allowed the Bears to become more aggressive on defense, transforming the team into a force to be reckoned with in the Ivy League.
Widely regarded as the consummate teammate, Parker was known to be fun, hard-working, and a player you could count on come Saturday. He was recognized for his leadership with the Eugene C. Swift ’42 Award given for character, devotion, fairness, and personal courage.
Parker sits tied atop the Brown record book with 14 career interceptions, culminating into his selection for the 125th Anniversary Team as one of Brown’s greatest football players. Tragically, Parker died in an accident in October 2006. His spirit lives on today through many of his friends and former teammates.
