Editing Greg Cook (section)

==Professional career==
In 1969, the Bengals released [[John Stofa]], the starting signal caller for much of the team's inaugural season, and named Cook as the starting quarterback. His season started spectacularly, as he led the Bengals to a 3–0 record. However, in game three versus Kansas City, Cook felt a pop in his right (throwing) shoulder after being tackled by linebacker [[Jim Lynch]] and missed the next three games.<ref name=bearcats>{{cite web|url=https://gobearcats.com/news/2022/1/29/general-the-bearcats-bengals-connection.aspx|title=The Bearcats-Bengals Connection|publisher=[[Cincinnati Bearcats|University of Cincinnati Athletics]]|date=January 29, 2022|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}</ref><ref name=1969-bengals>{{cite web|url=https://www.bengals.com/history/years/1969|title=Cincinnati Bengals History {{pipe}} 1969|publisher=[[Cincinnati Bengals]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211212026/https://www.bengals.com/history/years/1969|archive-date=February 11, 2022}}</ref> Possibly due to the limited medical technology at the time, his torn [[rotator cuff]] went undiagnosed.

Despite this, Cook went on to pass for 1,854 yards and led the Bengals to wins over the Chiefs and the [[Oakland Raiders]], two of the three best teams in the AFL.  His 9.411 yards per pass attempt (YPA) and 17.5 yard per completion are rookie records that still stand; Cook's 9.41 YPA remains a Bengals franchise record.<ref name=1969-bengals/> Cook was [[UPI]]'s choice for AFL Rookie of the year.
 
Cook recalled, "I took [[cortisone]] shots and played in pain, but the shoulder hadn't started to deteriorate yet, so I could still function. I still had the strength. I felt obligated to finish the season. I'd gotten off to a good start. I didn't want to relinquish that."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/dr_z/news/2001/10/10/drz_insider/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011107125018/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/dr_z/news/2001/10/10/drz_insider/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 7, 2001 |title=CNNSI.com - Inside Game - Dr. Z - Inside Football - SI's Dr. Z: Landmark meeting launches Walsh's career - Thursday October 11, 2001 10:40 AM |publisher=Sportsillustrated.cnn.com |access-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref>

The rotator cuff began deteriorating after the season; during surgery, it was revealed that Cook also had a partially detached [[biceps]] muscle.<ref name=bearcats/> After three operations proved futile, he retired. Cook saw action in one game during a 1973 comeback attempt, but he retired permanently after.<ref name=bearcats/> The [[NFL Network]] ''[[NFL Top Ten]]'' series named Cook the #1 One Shot Wonder in NFL history.<ref name="NFL Top Ten">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-top-ten/09000d5d807434bc/Top-Ten-One-Shot-Wonders-Greg-Cook |title=NFL Videos: Top Ten One Shot Wonders: Greg Cook |work=Nfl.com |date=March 17, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref>

Former [[New York Jets]] quarterback [[Chad Pennington]], who suffered two tears to his rotator cuff and underwent as many surgeries to repair it,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2172700 |title=Rotator cuff injury threatens Pennington's season - NFL - ESPN |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=September 27, 2005 |access-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref> was often compared to Cook because their injuries were so similar. Cook's injury was also similar to one suffered by [[New Orleans Saints]] quarterback [[Drew Brees]], who had surgery on his rotator cuff after the 2005–06 season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Holder |first=Larry |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/13826581/brees-now-sees-painful-san-diego-exit-as-biggest-blessing |title=Brees now sees painful San Diego exit as biggest blessing - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy |publisher=Cbssports.com |date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref>

Cook finished his career with 1,865 passing yards with an average of 17.4 yards per completion.  He threw 15 touchdowns in his career and 11 interceptions.