Unfinished Painting: The Untold Story of Bengals Phenom Greg Cook Paperback – October 2, 2024

Absolute must read for any Greg Cook, UC, or Bengals fans. This book needed to be written! I was too young to see Greg play ball, but in the 70s I heard the stories --- sounded like myths. He could throw a ball 90 yards, considered the greatest QB talent in NFL history, holds many UC passing records to this day, NFL rookie of the year, and finally led the 1969, 2nd year Bengals to 3-0 start before injuring his throwing shoulder and the rest of his life is really what sets this book apart in the history of athletic annals. Greg Cook is a legend and Bill Koch brings him back to life in this fabulous, well written book. Bengals, please put Greg Cook in your ring of honor!!!

I had the great honor to have lunch with Greg Cook a few years before he passed away. He was a legend in Cincinnati — and I found his talent as an artist to be as fascinating as his ability as an artist. I had always wondered why a book or movie hadn’t been written about perhaps the best quarterback to play in division one football. Bill Koch brings this wonder to fruition. Great book about a very complicated man.

As a 11-year-old in 1969 and a football fan, Greg Cook was cool! I witnessed him leading the league in passing as a rookie. I remember the injury and the comeback attempts. I remember him in preseason with the Chiefs. I always wondered what happened to him and why his life was so sad after football. I thought John Koch account was very compelling. The interview with Mike Reid gave a great insight into Greg Cook both as an athlete and artist.

Its a sad story, but also celebration of an incredible person. Thank you for capturing it and sharing it with the world.