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Frank Gifford passes away at 84

By Matt Verderame

Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants former players Lawrence Taylor (left) and Frank Gifford pose for a photo during the second quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants former players Lawrence Taylor (left) and Frank Gifford pose for a photo during the second quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former New York Giants halfback/flanker and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Frank Gifford has passed away at the age of 84, according to a statement from his family. Per ESPN:

"“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford,” the family said in a statement. “Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home.”"

Gifford was one of the most important figures in NFL history. Drafted out of the University of Southern California by the Giants with their first-round pick in 1952, Gifford became an instant star during an age when the NFL was still fighting to become mainstream. The eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro selection led New York to a championship in 1956, beating George Halas’ Bears 46-6 at Yankee Stadium.

In 1958, Gifford played in what later became known as the Greatest Game of All Time, when his Giants lost to the Baltimore Colts in the first overtime game in league history. Many point to this moment as when the NFL became America’s game, thrusting itself into the national conscious. Gifford became the poster-boy along with Johnny Unitas for the league during those golden years, starring in multiple commercials. His good looks and star play in New York City helped to captivate an audience that has not left since.

In 1960, Gifford’s career appeared to be over when he sustained a brutal hit by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and future Hall of Famer, Chuck Bednarik. Gifford suffered a concussion and missed the remainder of that season and all of the following campaign before returning in 1962, playing three more seasons.

All told, Gifford was named the NFL MVP in 1956, the Comeback Player of the Year in 1962, a member of the NFL’s 1950’s All-Decade Team and has his number retired by the Giants. He also accounted for 91 touchdowns, including 14 touchdown passes.

Gifford then moved onto broadcasting, becoming a fixture on Monday Night Football in 1971, the second season of the program. Gifford would remain in that seat for ABC throughout the next 26 years, walking away from the microphone in 1997. Many remember Gifford more for his gifts in the broadcast booth than for being a tremendous player at both the college and professional levels, being inducted into both Hall of Fames, with the latter induction coming in 1977.

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