Greg Briggs facts for kids

Greg Briggs, born on October 19, 1968, is a former American professional football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings. He also played for the Frankfurt Galaxy in the World League of American Football (WLAF). Before playing professionally, he attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Texas Southern University.

Early Life and College Football Journey

High School Sports

Greg Briggs went to Franklin High School in Meadville, Mississippi. In high school, he was very good at basketball. He even earned special honors for his basketball skills in his senior year. Greg also participated in track and field events.

Starting College Sports

He first received a scholarship to play basketball at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. In his third year there, he decided to try out for the football team. He quickly became a star player. In 1989, he started every game as a free safety. He caught 6 interceptions, which means he took the ball from the other team 6 times. His great playing earned him special awards at both the junior college and state levels.

Switching to Football Full-Time

In 1990, Greg accepted another basketball scholarship, this time from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. However, the football coaches there convinced him to switch sports. He played in the first two football games. But then, he was not allowed to play because of a conflict with his classes.

After that season, the football program at his university was stopped for a year. This allowed Greg and six of his teammates to join Texas Southern University. The coach at Texas Southern even joked that Greg might have to sleep on the floor because there wasn't an extra dorm room!

Becoming an All-Star Player

In his senior year at Texas Southern, Greg mostly played in the nickel defense and on special teams. Special teams are groups of players who play during kickoffs and punts. After the fourth game, he became a starter at outside linebacker because another player got hurt. He also played as a safety. He was so good that he received All-SWAC honors. He made 42 tackles, stopped 3 passes, got 2 sacks, recovered one fumble, and made one interception. He even blocked a kick! During this time, he was teammates with Michael Strahan, who later became a famous Hall of Fame player.

Professional Football Career

Dallas Cowboys: First Time

The Dallas Cowboys picked Greg Briggs in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL draft. This happened after he showed off his skills at the NFL Combine. The Cowboys first tried him out as a safety. Later, they had him focus on playing linebacker.

Unfortunately, on August 25, he was put on a special list because of a hip injury. This meant he couldn't play. The Cowboys went on to win Super Bowl XXVII that year. In 1993, he was moved to play tight end, but he was later released from the team.

Cleveland Browns

On December 15, 1993, the Cleveland Browns signed Greg to their practice squad. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but don't usually play in games. He was released by the Browns on July 21, 1994.

Frankfurt Galaxy

After not playing football for a year, Greg joined the Frankfurt Galaxy in 1995. This team was part of the World League of American Football. He was a key player for them, leading the team in tackles. He helped the Frankfurt Galaxy win the World Bowl '95 championship!

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

On July 20, 1995, Greg signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This team plays in the Canadian Football League (CFL). However, he was released before the season even started.

Dallas Cowboys: Second Time

Greg Briggs signed with the Dallas Cowboys again in 1995 as a free agent. He was released on August 27, but then re-signed on September 21. He played in 11 games that season. He made 9 tackles on special teams and was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXX. After that season, the Cowboys did not re-sign him.

Chicago Bears

On June 6, 1996, the Chicago Bears signed Greg. He played linebacker and on special teams for them. This meant he got to work again with Dave Wannstedt, who used to be the Cowboys' defensive coach. He was released by the Bears on October 1, but they signed him again on October 15.

Minnesota Vikings

In April 1997, Greg signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He was brought in to play linebacker and focus on special teams. He was released by the Vikings on August 24, 1998.

Life After Football

After he stopped playing professional football, Greg Briggs traveled with another famous football player, Reggie White. They spoke at churches together. Greg's nephew, Diyral Briggs, also played in the National Football League.