Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1966 to 1974, 1976), he played at the offensive-guard and defensive-tackle positions in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. Born Gale Herbert Gillingham, he was raised in Minnesota where he attended Little Falls High School and played collegiate football at the University of Minnesota. Selected by Green Bay during the 1st round (13th overall pick) of the 1966 NFL Draft, he experienced a world championship in his rookie season (Super Bowl I on January 15th, 1967). The following year, he was elevated to starting left-guard, succeeding veteran Fuzzy Thurston. The move completed a historic offensive-line of Vince Lombardi's which also included Bob Skoronski, Ken Bowman, Jerry Kramer and Forrest Gregg, as they protected Bart Starr and played a key role in the Packers' capturing the world championship (Super Bowl II on January 14th, 1968). Gillingham went on to earn Pro-Bowl honors five-times (1969 to 1971, 1973 to 1974), while appearing in 128 regular season games and to date is considered by many as being one of the greatest guards to wear a Packers' uniform. Following his football career, he worked in the real estate industry. He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1982. Gillingham suffered a fatal heart attack while weightlifting at his home.
Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1966 to 1974, 1976), he played at the offensive-guard and defensive-tackle positions in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. Born Gale Herbert Gillingham, he was raised in Minnesota where he attended Little Falls High School and played collegiate football at the University of Minnesota. Selected by Green Bay during the 1st round (13th overall pick) of the 1966 NFL Draft, he experienced a world championship in his rookie season (Super Bowl I on January 15th, 1967). The following year, he was elevated to starting left-guard, succeeding veteran Fuzzy Thurston. The move completed a historic offensive-line of Vince Lombardi's which also included Bob Skoronski, Ken Bowman, Jerry Kramer and Forrest Gregg, as they protected Bart Starr and played a key role in the Packers' capturing the world championship (Super Bowl II on January 14th, 1968). Gillingham went on to earn Pro-Bowl honors five-times (1969 to 1971, 1973 to 1974), while appearing in 128 regular season games and to date is considered by many as being one of the greatest guards to wear a Packers' uniform. Following his football career, he worked in the real estate industry. He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1982. Gillingham suffered a fatal heart attack while weightlifting at his home.
Bio by: C.S.
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